Artist description Musical shape-shifter and multi-instrumentalist. My styles range from world beat, folk, alternative, goth, acoustic, blues, and hybrid esoterica, to reggae, Navtive American, Aboriginal, electronic, and more. I've been recording my own music for eight years now and am always looking for new influences. My songs are 98% instrumental. I seek to evoke different emotions, textures, spaces, places, images, colors, and insights. Music is an exploration into creativity and expression. In many ways I think of myself primarily as a guitarist as that is the instrument that I'm most comfortable with and spend the most time and energy working with. Many of the songs on this page were recorded in alternate guitar tunings -- I believe I've used at least four different tunings on these songs here. Other than a guitarist I would describe myself as a composer and musical explorer. I hope you enjoy the journey.

Music Style My music is a hybrid of alternative, acoustic, world beat, reggae and other musical styles. I'm not very interested in being confined to one musical genre or another and am always seeking to incorporate new influences into my own musical style.

Musical Influences The Cure, The Samples, Bob Marley, Inka Inka, Baka Beyond, Peter Gabriel, Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins, Geoffrey Oryema, Ali Farka Toure, Alpha Blondy, Robbie Robertson, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Rusted Root, Counting Crows, Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, didje

Similar Artists The Cure, The Samples, Bob Marley, Cocteau Twins, Baka Beyond, Dead Can Dance, Talking Heads, Peter Gabriel, Peter Murphy, Rusted Root, Robbie Robertson, Habib Koite, Ali Farka Toure

Artist History I started playing guitar and keyboards in highschool and have picked up playing other instruments along the way. I played in a couple highschool bands - nothing too significant, but fun. In college I played in an acoustic guitar duet with a friend, Kevin Feely, who can be found here on mp3.com, and played keyboards in a reggae band. These days I just play music into my Mac using ProTools Free, though the majority of these recordings are a little older, having been done on my Yamaha MT-120 4-track recorder. All songs were recorded in my bedroom -- never been in a studio. This page was originally posted in spring, 2000. In the begining of 2001 I put up three additional pages on mp3.com: Mystic Mountain, Martin - the Mescalero Sessions, and Runestone. Also, I've been busy putting up music elsewhere on other web-sites. Currently I'm also playing with the Santa Barbara-based world fusion ensemble "Dreamtime Continuum" where I play percussion, flute, and the almighty didjeridu. Be sure and catch one of our local shows for a musical feast of world sounds!

Group Members Just me.

Instruments Acoustic electric guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, conga, bongos, doumbek, frame drum, talking drum, cottonwood drum, rattles, shakers, etc., wood block flute, Indonesian flute, pan flute, kenacho, Bolivian flute, clay flute, cedar flute, Irish penny whistle, harmonica, didjeridu, keyboards (all played in real-time -- no MIDI or machines)

Press Reviews From Lawrence More, composer and producer of the Wayfarer Project: "Martin's music combines the best of spiritual energy and simple enjoyment. Both reggae and Native American influences combine, and become graciously expanded in a vast sound palette. The best of new age and world music comes together in one, seamless synergy. His spiritual nature leaves a strong imprint on his music, but it does not take away from the fun and enjoyable aspects of the creativity in his songwriting. It's like a care free, yet awe-inspiring trek through the wilderness. I'm sure you will be delightfully refreshed by his wonderful music." And another reviewer writes: "Martin Ball creates masterpieces of song without even trying, or at least seems effortless on his part, he has mastered his talents so well. I checked out his mp3.com/runestone page and fell in love right away with his celtic creations. I particularly loved his song "Rising Sun", an appropriate name for a song that, upon listening, fills you with such an incredible warmth. Truly beautiful music. I was so intrigued by Martin's talent, I continued on to discover (to my immense delight!) even more of his wonderous works of art at his mp3.com/Martin-TMS (The Mescalero Sessions) page. The song "Rainbow Mountain" is simply wonderful! And to realize, while you're listening, that the song was created on just a 4 track while he was living in a hotel room, is amazing! You'd certainly never know it. Martin's next page, mp3.com/MysticMountain, offers even more mystical creations like "Oceans Between". Hypnotic and relaxing music that allows you to experience new worlds without ever physically having to visit them. Absolutely unforgettable music. And last, but certainly not least, on his mp3.com/MartinBall page, when I didn't think it was possible, I was impressed even further by this man's many styles. The song "Joy" is a mesmerizing song with beautiful flutes throughout, yet offers just enough pep to keep your toes tappin'. I now long to own every one of his 6 amazing CDs. If you haven't experienced the intoxicating sounds of Martin Ball, you are certainly in for a very moving experience that will keep you forever longing to hear more." ~ Lolly Fleming, Digital Artist Music Network NMA Rep.

Additional Info Be sure and check out my new page "Martin Ball II"!!

Location Santa Barbara, California - USA

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