Available September 15, 2009 on Anzic Records

The Joe Martin Quartet – Live at The Jazz Standard in NYC – October 7 + 8 with Mark Turner, Brad Mehldau + Marcus Gilmore

“Joe is one of the heavy bass players” --Kurt Rosenwinkel

“...a versatile bassist and a thoughtful composer” --The New York Times

“...a rock solid player” --The San Jose Mercury News

If you are a jazz artist on the current New York scene it is probable that you have performed or recorded with bassist/composer Joe Martin. If you listen to jazz it is a good bet that Martin appears on at least one recording in your collection. If you have set foot in a jazz club anywhere in the world over the last several years, chances are that Martin has been there recently, or is there that night!

To call him ubiquitous is a gross understatement. Martin, born in Kansas City in 1970 and known for his warm sound, facile ear, harmonic flexibility, and lyrical solos, is simply one of the most sought-after bassists in the world. This is certainly Not By Chance. The title track of his sophomore CD release for Anzic Records (available September 15, 2009) is based on Martin’s philosophy of being a working musician. He explains, “only through dedication to our art, the hard work of practice, and intention can we truly reach our goals.”

The list of artists that Martin has been associated with is staggering: Andy Bey, Vinicius Cantuaria, Bill Charlap, the late Art Farmer, Aaron Goldberg, Jon Gordon, Ari Hoenig, Joel Frahm, Ethan Iverson, Guillermo Klein, Ivan Lins, Lionel Loueke, Bill McHenry, John McNeil, Brad Mehldau, The Mingus Big Band, Ben Monder, Jane Monheit, Jean-Michel Pilc, Chris Potter, Maria Schneider, Jaleel Shaw, Grady Tate, Mark Turner, Michael Weiss, and many others. He has most recently been an integral member of Kurt Rosenwinkel’s group, documented on a forthcoming live recording from the Village Vanguard.

Not By Chance (Anzic), Martin’s follow up to his debut CD, Passage (Fresh Sound New Talent 2001), showcases the bassist’s gift for crafting compositions that capture the energy and vitality of the New York scene, placing him and his band mates at the forefront of today’s creative music milieu. For this recording, which offers over 70 minutes of thrilling, provoking music, Martin recruited none other than pianist Brad Mehldau, saxophonist Chris Potter and drummer Marcus Gilmore. “Three of my favorite musicians. They not only possess powerful and highly recognizable musical voices, but they are extremely supportive musicians, ever cognizant of creating a strong group sound; it is a thrill making music with them”, explains Martin. Shockingly, although Martin has performed with each of these artists separately on numerous occasions, Not By Chance marks their first performance together.

Joe Martin, who seems to work eight nights a week, is also on duty as a composer 24/7, soaking up inspiration from numerous sources. The opening track “Semente” reflects on Martin’s first trip to Rio de Janeiro and a visit to a small club (Semente). “The energy there was palpable as a young Choro ensemble performed repertoire known by all of the regulars, evident by their collective singing and dancing. I was deeply moved by the beauty of this powerful, group spirit. Its memory inspired this tune,” explains Martin. “Far” speaks of the geographical and emotional distance that is “inextricable from the traveling musician’s life.” For all his virtuosity and brilliance, Martin remains a student. “Once Before” is about how Martin revels in explorations through the bins of record stores to discover something old that is new to him. “I am awed by the remarkable amount of music yet undiscovered which has come before us,” said Martin. The one track not composed by Martin belongs to one of his main inspirations, Jaco Pastorius, “The Balloon Song”. Martin explains, “The piece is an extremely melodic, intervallic, and logical study, one that became a part of my daily practice routine. The scope of music that Pastorius realized in his short lifetime never ceases to inspire me”.

Not By Chance, dedicated to Martin’s newborn son, is an enthralling example of the immense talent possessed by Joe Martin. With the release of Not By Chance, the heaps of acclaim he has received from his peers and critics alike is more than justified.