Blues at the Fortune Fortune of War Basildon 24 Mar 2001, 18 May 2002 Martin plays the kind of down home, raw blues seldom heard this side of the Atlantic, using a real bottleneck on a beaten-up vintage guitar and a harp in a rack. He's been doing it for over 40 years and is still faithful to the Delta and Chicago blues that first inspired him. Martin plays the music of classic slide guitarists such as Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and Elmore James. He also draws on the guitar boogie style of John Lee Hooker and modern influences like Keb Mo and Eric Bibb. As a teenager, Martin had the honour of supporting the famous Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee at London's 100 Club. He also got to meet and play with the Mississippi blues man Fred McDowell, who remains a key influence. Martin is best known for his solo acoustic work but also plays sizzling electric slide guitar. As well as playing a solo set that day he performed with a guest backing group featuring guitarist Chris Pearson, Bassist Joe Jones and drummer Roy Webber. also Gary Potts (Cadillac Kings) joined on Harp for a couple of tunes check the video out below. Martin can still be seen (2016) at Peggy Sue’s Music Bar Leigh on Sea & Railway Hotel, Southend www.martinmcneill.co.uk and FB Page

24 Mar 2001 supporting Groove Doctors

18 May 2002