"Widely regarded as one of the finest guitarists to have come out of Ireland, but primarily a brilliant songwriter of longstanding cult status...easy to listen to, hard to define, with the melodic touch of a Paul Simon and the lyrical insight of John Prine, but a sound and a songwriting skill that is undeniably his own" Belfast Telegraph

Tom Martin is known for his skill as a guitarist and songwriter, but he is also a great interpreter of traditional songs. In fact, like most of the great songwriters he has drawn extensively on the traditional cannon for his inspiration. Tom will talk about the various traditional styles that have inspired his own work, and will perform some traditional songs, as well as his own compositions.

In a musical career that spans four decades, Tom has carved out his own niche perhaps best described as "Celtic Fusion" in that he seems to effortlessly infuse whatever genre he tackles with the elusive but unmistakable muse that is found only among the musicians, mystics and poets of Ireland. A consummate performer who has honed his craft for more than forty years, in venues ranging from bars to concert halls and festival stages, Tom's songwriting and musical arrangements have been compared to Paul Simon, John Prine, Bob Dylan, and Ry Cooder. He counts all of these luminaries among his musical influences, along with the Rolling Stones, Bert Jansch, Chuck Berry, Hank Williams, Robert Johnson, Doc Watson, and the traditional music of his native Ireland. But the songs, the style and the delivery are very much his own.

Tom Martin - Live at C’ville Coffee

Saturday May 19 - 8:00 - 10:00 pm