Hire Martin Ash | Violist in London

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From£160

1 hour

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Vieuxtemps: Elegie

Bach: Prelude to Suite #3 in C

Blue Skies

About Martin

Freelance pro based in London: viola, violin, mandolin, arranger, occasional singer. Wide range of styles, skills and experience.

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Violist

London

Public liability insurance of £10 million

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Freelance professional violinist and viola player based in London but willing to travel. Fluent sight-reader, skilled improviser, comfortable with or without sheet music and in a wide variety of styles/genres: classical, folk, musical theatre / pit bands, country, bluegrass, jazz, blues, backing singer-songwriters, etc. As much at home on a classical concert platform or at an amplified pub gig. Very good at fitting in with material and other musicians quickly.

Martin

5 out of 5

4 verified reviews

Martin's Reviews

5 out of 5

Martin has performed viola live on stage for my ambient / modern classical project 3 times in the last year. He has proven himself to not only be a reliable, technically proficient player, but also invaluably experienced in a non-classical ‘gig’ setting. He was a great help in working out the technical logistics of combining guitar and electronics with an amplified string quartet, helping bring my compositions to life. I look forward to working with him again soon!

5 out of 5

Martin was a fantastic attribute to the ensemble, bringing with him a fantastic knowledge of theory and an open, respectful attitude to the compositions. A + + Would recommend to a friend, would use seller again.

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21 June 2016

Martin is a highly talented violin player in all kinds of genres. He began playing as the Kindred Spirit Band's main violin player in March 2016, which requires him to play the role normally taken by the electric guitar player (with overdriven rock solos), as well as folk, Irish and some classical styles. He is extremely hard working, capable and knowledgeable, a pleasure to work with, being both constructive, friendly and enthusiastic, as well as a real character, when performing on stage, which the audience loves!

29 May 2016

I performed with Martin, and found it to be an exciting and creative experience. As a violinist with an extensive repertoire, Martin has a great stage presence and can perform from almost any genre. I look forward to working with him again in the future.

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Encore badges

Saved the day!

Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice

8th Anniversary

This act has been working with Encore for over 8 years

Martin's Song list

The Wild Rover

The Devil went Down to Georgia

Molly Malone

Sally Gardens (ballad)

Sally Gardens (reel)

Drowsy Maggie

The Drunken Landlady

Miss MacLeod's Reel

The Silver Spear

The Wind that Shakes the Barley

The Tenpenny Bit

Life is all Chequered

Morrison's Jig

The Dashing White Sergeant

Petronella

The Rights of Man

The Trumpet Hornpipe

The Harvest Home

The Bluehill Boys

St Patrick's Day

The Merry Blacksmith

The Leaving of Liverpool

Sunday was my Wedding Day

Shannon Bells

The Blackthorn Stick

Sherele

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)	£100
Up to 1 hour	£160
Up to 2 hours	£200
Up to 3 hours	£250

Customer questions

Do you have different line-up options?

This page is normally used for booking me individually. However, I am active with various groups in different genres, and have a large address book, so if you want a group, please get in touch to discuss.

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

I will always try and be flexible with timing changes. The only point where it may be a problem is if I have a pre-existing booking that clashes with the new timings, so the earlier your timings are final, the more likely I can accommodate exactly what you want.

How much time do you need to set up?

Usually half an hour would be adequate. Obviously, if you don't want me tuning up, checking amplification etc around your guests / audience, please make sure that time is scheduled in before they arrive, and I know when I need to get to the venue to set up on your schedule.

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

Absolutely - and the list is not comprehensive, so please let me know any requests as I may already know them. Do please ask about requests, even if they are in my repertoire, before I show up though!

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes. The only exception would be if you require more powerful amplification than I own (up to 150W with mains power, or 33W without), in which case I would need to connect to a PA system supplied by someone else.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Given time and depending on the piece, usually yes. I will always try to accommodate specific numbers, and enjoy expanding my repertoire, so please do raise possible requests - the earlier the better!

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Lively, energetic stage presence and communication with the audience both while playing (regardless of genre) and in talking about the music. Viola as a solo / leading instrument, and playing styles on the violin lots of people don't expect!

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

The Cramphorn Theatre, Chelmsford HRH Prog (with Kindred Spirit) Weekend at the Asylum (with former band The Filthy Spectacula) Sofar Sounds (guesting with JohnLikeJohn) BBC South (live lounge session with Sebastian Vale) BBC Oxford (live lounge session with former band Ragdoll)

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Nigel Kennedy Dave Swarbrick Timothy Ridout Stephane Grappelli Jon Sevink / Levellers

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

Opening Saturday main stage at A New Day Festival 2017 (with Kindred Spirit)

Musicianship

Genres:

Contemporary Christian, Traditional church music, Christmas, Classical, Musical theatre, Opera, Early music, Classical crossover, Contemporary classical, Film / TV music, Baroque, Folk, Folk rock, Irish rock, Traditional Irish folk, Traditional English folk, Country, Jazz, Blues, Gypsy jazz, Swing, Light music, Originals, Easy listening, Experimental, Avant garde, Acoustic, Covers, Americana, Rock, Alternative rock, Progressive rock

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Instruments:

Viola, Violin, Fiddle, Composer, Mandolin

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Event types:

Concert, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Private event, Corporate event, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Birthday party, Christmas party

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Other skills:

Arranger, Orchestrator, Fluent improviser, Fluent sight-reader

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