Claire Martin

Claire Martin

Claire Martin is an English jazz singer from Wimbledon, born in 1967. She studies singing with Verona Chard in London and Marilyn Johnson in New York, after attending The Doris Holford Stage School until the age of fifteen. Dance is also an early interest, but singing is her main passion.

Early career

Before establishing herself as a recording artist, Martin works for two years on the QE2 and the Cunard Princess. At 21, she forms a quartet with guitarist Jim Mullen and pianist Jonathon Gee.

Recording and recognition

In 1991, Martin signs to Linn Records. Her debut album, The Waiting Game, brings immediate recognition and is chosen as one of The Times' records of the year. By 1995, she has made three further critically acclaimed albums for Linn and makes her American debut with four sold-out shows in Washington, DC, receiving strong reviews from the Washington Post and The Village Voice.

That same year she wins the Best Vocalist Award at the British Jazz Awards and performs at Ronnie Scott's Club with her group for her first live album, Offbeat. In 1994, she receives the Rising Star award at the British Jazz Awards.

Broadcasting and later work

In 2000, Martin begins presenting the jazz magazine programme Jazz Line Up on BBC Radio 3. In 2003, she is named Vocalist of the Year at the BBC Jazz Awards.

Style and reputation

Martin is associated with jazz and vocal jazz, and her work places her among the notable British jazz vocalists of her generation.