Martin Black (also known as Martin Botha) is a passionate, blues-loving, rock-appreciating South African singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Currently well-known as the lead singer of Black Water, an impressive blues-rock band based in Pretoria, Martin is a qualified sound engineer and regular session musician who has shared the stage with icons such as Albert Frost, Gerald Clark and Charlie King.
In his solo capacity, this multi-talented musician focuses on authentic, old-school blues and a bit of rock – the kind of music that fills his heart and feeds his soul.
Inspired by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Joe Bonamassa and Phillip Sayce, Martin Black’s sound is gritty, gutsy and powerful, his guitar skills impressive and his stage presence warm and engaging – just like blues music itself.
Critics have called Martin one to watch, highlighting his strong vocals, “goosebump-inspiring” guitar skills and commitment to blues music. And with a series of cool acoustic and electric sets in his solo stable already, there’s no doubt they are right…
Bring on the blues!
Background (before Black Water and Martin Black ….)
Born and raised in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, Martin discovered guitar at age 17. It quickly became his instrument of choice and he taught himself to play, as well as how to repair, refurbish and build guitars from scratch – skills he shares through his sideline business Stick-E-Fingers (https:www.facebook.com/StickEfingersSa/ ).
Blues was Martin’s first musical love and remains food for his soul. He has headed up several bands over the last 17 years, including Called to Grace, Fat Cats and Slow Brew’d. Martin has also worked with local blues icons such as Dan Patlansky and Albert Frost and counts playing with the Albert Frost Trio at the Table Mountain Blues Summit in 2012 as a career highlight. In the last few years, he has been an active member of the SA Blues Society and has trained and recorded with guitarist Illimar Neitz of Bright Lights Big City and Feed the Wolf fame.
GALLERY
