BIO------Martin C.EarleyI am a Guitarist of many years. I was taught Guitar by the late Johnny Napp of Waterbury for about 21/2 years in the late 60's. Johnny was a Jazz and Swing Guitarist known regionally. Like most kids starting out, I wanted to play the music of the times, which was Hendrix, Cream, The Beatles, etc. but most lesson books back then did not include Tablature for Lead Guitar. They did notate the melody and vocal line, which is what I was taught. This process made me think more like a vocalist, consequently improving my pitch on a Microtonal scale. I thank my former teacher for that. I left the technical end of Guitaring behind after discontinuing lessons and set out in search of my own style, working with various bands in New England. Working with various Rock and Funk outfits honed my skills as a player, but couldn't satisfy my need for more creative outlets until the 80's, when the DIY attitude really blossomed. Writing more and more songs for groups such as Editors, Space Heater Cops, Bad Beauty Kings, and others, culminated in my 1st Solo CD, Timber Shivers in 2000. This closed the door on my earlier Songwriting life and opened a brand new one. In In the early aughts, I began immersing my self in the field of Improvisation and Ambient Soundscaping music. Playing with my trio Exit Terra, we managed to chart songs in Australia, Serbia, The UK and the US. We played at various Art exhibits, Festivals, and Radio Stations throughout the area. It was a nice feeling just being listened to! After Exit Terra, I advanced my Solo Soundscaping performances and did work with Wesleyan University, The Martha Graham Dance Co., various Art Galleries and Shows as well as Concert performances. I am currently ON HIATUS from my duo in Newtown Ct. The Hadron Big Bangers. We are a Deconstructionist group with 2 releases available, Strange Beauty Decays and FLASH. I have independently recorded and produced 3 CD's of Ambient Soundscaping works. Tinnitus, The Beginners Guide to Transcendence, and RenaisSeance. New works with The SHARP FLATS are being pumped out by Vance Provey and myself with more Big Bangers coming withThe Right Reverend Doktor Robert Are, as well as solo stuff from the archives and new melodies and sonic screw driving! To date, there are around 248 videos of my daily guitaring and instrumental meanderings available here; |
CAG Review of Martin Ear @ Industrial Strength ShowFor years, painted landscapes have largely been confined to the beauty of the natural world, but the Industrial Strength art show in Bridgeport last Saturday (February 27, 2010) made an attempt to put a notch in that cycle. The show put the feel of an urban, industrial area in a position of beauty that has only infrequently attempted to raise its head at all and only in the past few years. Local artists were asked to bring forth paintings, photos, and sculptures of what they considered to exemplify factory life and the like. In addition to the dozen or so artists represented at the show, ambient music amplified the feel of modernity, technology, and urban interest in Bridgeport.
Music by Martin C. Earley of his solo project, Martin Ear, and percussionist Evan Foreman was simultaneously relaxed and intense. Using both traditional and electronic instruments to provide a concoction of mystifying noises and beats to the already eccentric show, the music did wonders for this reviewer's thoughts on the show. Martin played both the electric guitar (complete with a multitude of analogue and digital effects pedals, synths, and more) and synthesizers while Evan pounded away on his unique collection of percussion instruments. Both improvisation and pre-organized pieces were vital to the overall feel and flow of the show. It truly made us here at CAG ecstatic to see these two lending their talents to the greater creative community at large. As a musician, as well, the depth and level of commitment apparent during the musician's several performances was positively heartening; commitment put to rest, though, the two men looked like they were enjoying themselves. Nothing is worse than seeing a resentful guitarist bang out a tune or two for the sake of something that he doesn't care about. Watching the expressions and body language of Martin and Evan made it clear that music and industrial ambience is far more than an idle hobby of the two - it is a passion. Both men were more than willing to speak to us a bit about their projects, their working relationships, and their unique instruments and playing style. We'd like to extend both a special thank you and a sincere congratulations to Martin C. Earley and Evan Foreman for making the Industrial Strength show everything that it could have been. Keep on creating and never lose your passion... Creative Arts Guide, signing out. Mar 10 is the project of musician Martin C. Earley |