Peter Martin Trio (USA)

Martin plays with the kind of daring and excitement that marks a distinctive personality on the keyboard – Washington Post

With initial classical training in piano and violin (both parents were classical musicians) Peter Martin’s skill was recognized early on, with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis mentoring him as a teenager, his winning the Presidential Scholar in the Arts award at 17 and gaining a scholarship to The Juilliard School in New York.

Moving to New Orleans in the 1990s, Martin honed his skills working with key musicians such as Nicholas Payton, Germaine Bazzle, Chris Thomas and Brian Blade. Embarking on an active solo career, he toured and recorded with artists such as Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove and others. Peter has also performed with the Berlin Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony as well as numerous other orchestras around the world. Martin regularly tours with Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves (including current season with Reeves and the SSO at the Sydney Opera House).

Along with musicians from a variety of backgrounds from Scotland to Harlem, he also contributes to the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, which is led by his first jazz mentor, Marsalis. Although Martin grew up in St. Louis, he was born in Florida, studied in New York and went on to play in an outfit led by vocalist Betty Carter. In addition to recording a handful of releases as a leader, Martin has contributed to more than two dozen recordings by other jazz artists, including Freedom in the Groove and Spirit of the Moment (Live at the Village Vanguard) from Redman.

Also renowned for his work as a composer and arranger, he has performed on and arranged Dianne Reeves’ Grammy winning release A Little Moonlight and other recordings by her as well as appearing in George Clooney’s 2005 film Good Night and Good Luck and featuring on the Grammy-winning soundtrack. As well as playing internationally, Martin teaches music in Chicago. His latest release, Set Of Five, is his first solo piano recording.

Peter Martin on how he works…

I usually sit down at the piano and play various melodies that I have been thinking of away from the piano, and then continue to compile them into a composition through improvisation.

Critics are recognizing his unique voice on the piano and he is already gaining accolades as the young pianist to watch: The elegance of his touch, the textural clarity of his improvisations and the careful design of his solos distinguish Martin from many pianists of the 35-and-under generation. Los Angeles Times

Peter is a complete pianist, performing with maturity well beyond his years -Ellis Marsalis

The Peter Martin Trio features the outstanding rhythm section of Reginald Veal (bass) and Terreon Gully (drums) and extends the classic jazz trio format by performing exhilarating renditions of a wide range of genres and grooves. The recent MaxJazz release In The PM features the trio’s stylistic virtuosity as they play originals by Martin as well as unexpected takes on classics from Jelly Roll Morton to Stevie Wonder. Don’t miss this exclusive debut performance in Sydney as part of the trio’s national tour.

Peter Martin’s artistry is nothing short of extraordinary. To sing with him is sublime – To listen to him play is a transcendent experience – Dianne Reeves

Terreon Gully

Terreon Gully (drums) performs and records extensively. When not busy with The Christian McBride Band, Stefon Harris, David Sanborn or Yerba Buena, Terreon finds time to squeeze in working with such artists as Burning Spear, Lauren Hill and Roy Ayers to name a few.

Known for his authenticity and versatility, Terreon performs in a variety of genres and musical settings, working with the best. From reggae pioneers, hip hop icons, to jazz legends, Terreon has performed, toured, and recorded with many artists, among them: the Benny Green Trio, Charlie Hunter, Real Live Band, Diane Reeves, Abbey Lincoln, Marc Cary, Russell Gunn, Lizz Wright, Jackie Terrason, and Common as well as a host of other artists.

In addition to live performances, Terreon is known for his exceptional work in the studio, recording for albums, films, and commercials. Terreon is an exceptional musician with a remarkable personality. Committed to performing on the best equipment that enhances his sound, Terreon endorses Premier drums, Sabian cymbals, Remo drumheads, ProMark drumsticks, and LP Percussion. Devoted to his musical development, Terreon continues to enhance his artistic talents.

A young, talented, and dedicated artist with a reputable character, Terreon is the epitome of professionalism and musicianship.

Reginal Veal

Reginal Veal (bass) was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 5, 1963, but was raised in New Orleans, where his family was rooted. Mr. Veal began playing piano at age eight, but soon switched to the electric bass, which he performed with his father’s gospel group. After he graduated from high school Wynton and Branford Marsalis encouraged him to take up the acoustic bass. Mr. Veal attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, where he studied bass trombone with Alvin Batiste and played trombone in the marching band. Mr. Veal played many gigs with pianist Ellis Marsalis, including a tour of Southeast Asia, and joined Terence Blanchard and Donald Harrison in July 1986.

In December 1987 Mr. Veal joined Wynton Marsalis’ touring and recording group, staying with the group through the end of 1993. Mr. Veal has recorded and toured with Branford Marsalis’ Buckshot LeFonque project. Mr. Veal has toured and recorded as a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He has performed in the premiere performances of several commissioned works written by Wynton Marsalis, including In This House, On This Morning, Jazz: Six Syncopated Movements, and Blood on the Fields.