Hire Martin Young | Guitarist in London

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From£275

1 hour

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About Martin

Martin Young is an English folk singer/songwriter/guitarist based in Faversham, Kent with the ability to adapt to clients' requirements.

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Guitarist

London

Public liability insurance of £10 million

Verified profile

Martin is available solo, in duos, trios and five or even a six-piece band depending on your budget. He plays folk and pop covers and can adapt to most situations, venues and events. Martin has played all over Britain at many different venues large and small including clubs and festivals. He has toured Europe and New Zealand. Ceilidhs and Barn Dances In addition to his work as a solo performer Martin formed The Watergrain Band in 2015 with Pip Ives and Ben Paley. He is also a Caller for Ceilidhs and Barn Dances as a member of the band Swing The Bridge and is available to call for other bands. Also as a caller with recorded music.

Martin

4.7 out of 5

3 verified reviews

Satisfaction

4.7

Professionalism

4.7

Communication

4.7

Punctuality

4.7

Martin's Reviews

5 out of 5

Very good! Martin was easy to reach and to assure me of the service I was getting. The price was good. He arrived on time and set up quickly. Everyone enjoyed the dancing and he fitted in with the schedule (which had to adapt to circumstances) He made sure he delivered the amount of dancing agreed. I have been showered with compliments for a good family dance evening which I wish to pass on to Martin. Everyone had an excellent time!

4 out of 5

Good fun, wish I booked more hours.

5 out of 5

We had a completely fabulous experience with Martin and his violinist colleague Ramona! He was really helpful in talking over my ideas for the party (surprise 60th with 150 guests aged 18 mos - 80 years). On the day, the duo arrived earlier than requested to set up and play for the first early birds! They played for double the length of the quote which was amazing. Martin was such a good caller, he emboldened young and old guests alike to get up and join in with the set dances. It was a really sensational night; I'm so glad they were available to play for us! Swing the Bridge are: 1. Inspiring 2. Patient 3. Value (for money - they could really charge a lot more... But I'm glad they don't!) You can't go wrong in booking StB.

We were very happy to promote a date recently for The Watergrain Band at Folk in the Barn. The audience enjoyed the friendly, gentle delivery of Martin Long's well arranged and thoughtful material. Pip Ives and Ben Paley on accordion and fiddle added skillful touches of intricate and sensitive playing, giving colour and depth to the arrangements. We're sure this Trio will go from strength to strength.

Hi Martin, Thank you for being such a lovely guest at our club last night, I hope you had a good run back to Faversham. It was a pleasure to meet and hear you - I thoroughly enjoyed your fine performance and it was clear you had everyone else gripped too. Thanks also for your CD - I'm looking forward to some great listening weekend, with your latest one too to enjoy! Hope to see you in action again soon, solo or with Watergrain. Best wishes,

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Martin's Song list

Itchycoo Park (Small Faces)

IRISH

Step It Out Mary, Galway Shawl, Spancil Hill, I'll Tell Me Ma, Cockles And Mussels (Molly Malone), The Town I Loved So Well, Irish Rover, Dirty Old Town, Wild Mountain Thyme, Fields Of Athenry, Wild Rover, Whiskey In The Jar, Black Velvet Band

Martin's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Performance duration	Price
Short performance (up to 15 min)	£200
Up to 1 hour	£275
Up to 2 hours	£400
Up to 3 hours	£500

Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

The energy and humour along with superb musicianship.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Too many to list from large concert halls to pubs.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention, Albion Band, The Dubliners.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Royal Albert Hall, Queen Eilzabeth Hall, The Barbican.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

No problem. We are yours for the duration of your event and we will fit in with your plans.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

I casn offer the use of my PA for your playlist to run without interference from myself.

How much time do you need to set up?

Between 30 minutes and 1 and a half hours. depending on the lineup.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

As a ceilidh band we prefer to choose the music which fits the dances best. but, if you require particular tunes such as the Titanic set (Blarney Pilgrim, John Ryan's Polka, Kesh Jig and Drops of Brandy) we will gladly choose dances that fit.. We're always happy to discuss your requirements and accommodate them as best we can.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes, PA, lights, instruments etc. We are fully self-contained. All we ask for is a power point and a small table.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Yes, if we don't already know it we can learn up to 3 songs of your choice within the folk genre.

Musicianship

Genres:

Ceillidh, Folk, Folk rock, Traditional English folk, Traditional Irish folk, Country, Irish rock, Traditional Scottish folk, Acoustic

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Instruments:

Guitar, Cittern, Ceilidh caller

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Event types:

Wedding, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Concert, Burns night, Christmas party, New Year's Eve, Birthday party

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Other skills: