Martin Taylor

“Martin Taylor is one of the greatest and most impressive guitar players in the world.” Chet Atkins

The virtuoso of fingerstyle jazz returns with a celebration of timeless standards

Multi-award-winning guitarist and composer Martin Taylor MBE has been described by Jeff Beck as “the best guitarist in the world” and by Pat Metheny as “one of the most awesome solo guitar players in history.”, and his inimitable style has seen him recognized as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing.

Renowned internationally for his warm stage presence, dazzling fingerstyle technique, and unforgettable interpretations, Martin has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning six decades, including collaborations with Stéphane Grappelli, Tommy Emmanuel, Chet Atkins, and many of the world’s greatest jazz musicians.

In 2007 he received the prestigious BBC Radio 2 “Heart of Jazz” Award in recognition of his career in music, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the North Wales Jazz Guitar Festival for his “Contribution to Jazz Guitar Worldwide”.

He has also received a record 14 British Jazz Awards as a guitarist, and as a composer he was nominated for “Best Contemporary Song” in the BBC Folk Awards in 2009. The prestigious Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama made him an Honorary Doctor of Music in 2010.

In 2026, Martin Taylor returns to the stage with his brand-new solo show “Standards”*, celebrating the golden age of jazz through fresh and evocative arrangements of classic tunes from the Great American Songbook. Audiences can expect an evening of breathtaking musicianship, rich harmonies, and stories that transport you behind the music—from smoky jazz clubs to concert halls around the world.

Whether you’re a long-time jazz lover or discovering Martin’s music for the first time, Standards promises an intimate, uplifting concert experience from one of the true greats of our time.

* Martin Taylor’s new album ‘Standards’ will be released on The Guitar Label in Spring 2026.

“Taylor is the finest British guitarist of his generation.” The Times