Martin Harley

Martin Harley

Martin Harley is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Kentucky. He also performs with the Martin Harley Band, while maintaining solo work as well. His music is rooted in acoustic guitar playing, blues and roots styles, and he is associated with blues, singer-songwriter, country, rock and country rock.

Style and playing

Harley is known for slide guitar and for playing lap-slide, a technique that is described as unusual in the UK. His playing combines strong musicianship with an intuitive approach and a broad musical understanding, and his songs are shaped by his experience of travel and exposure to different influences.

Songwriting

His writing is described as drawing on a life lived through music, with songs that reflect experience and a classic songwriting approach. He works in both solo and band settings, and his output links acoustic guitar tradition with blues and roots sounds.