Raised by parents who are both classical musicians, Peter began studying violin and piano at age three. After graduating from high school, Peter received the Presidential Scholar in the Arts award from President Reagan. He then attended The Juilliard School in New York on scholarship, studying with Martin Canin, until moving to New Orleans in 1990.
While in New Orleans Martin honed his skills working with key musicians such as Nicholas Payton, Germaine Bazzle, Chris Thomas, Alvin Batiste, Brian Blade and Victor Goines. He also embarked on an active solo career and toured and recorded with artists such as Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Chris Botti, Joshua Redman, Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Peter has also performed with the Berlin Philharmonic with Simon Rattle, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony as well as numerous other orchestras around the world.
Peter performed on and arranged Dianne Reeves’ Grammy winning release A Little Moonlight as well as co-produced her 2004 Blue Note CD Chrismas Time Is Here. Peter appeared in George Clooney’s 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck as well as being featured on the Grammy® winning soundtrack.
Martin was named “Best Jazz Artist” of 2010 in ST. Louis’ Riverfront Times.
In February 2010, Peter premiered a unique Jazz concert series in St. Louis, Peter Martin Music: LIVE!, bringing in legends in the jazz community that he has played with around the world for intimate concerts at the renowned Sheldon Concert Hall. The series has been raved as some of the best jazz concerts in St. Louis, described by the St. Louis Post Dispatch as “the kind of crowd-pleasing event that proves that, when performed with energy and style, jazz can indeed connect with folks who aren’t necessarily diehard fans of the music.”
In January 2011, Peter was honored to have played with a select group of American jazz musicians for a featured performance at the White House State Dinner with President and Mrs. Obama welcoming China’s president.
Martin’s latest release is SET OF FIVE, his first solo piano recording. Peter Martin is a Steinway Piano Artist and presently on the faculties of Southern Illinois University (Edwardsville) and Northwestern University in Chicago, IL as well as a permanent Artist-in-Residence with Jazz St. Louis’ JazzU program.
“The elegance of his touch, the textural clarity of his improvisations and the careful design of his solos distinguish Martin from many pianists of the 35-and-under generation.” - Los Angeles Times
“one of the most underrated pianists in jazz today … Martin plays with the kind of daring and excitement that marks a distinctive personality on the keyboard.” - Washington Post
“He has clearly found his own individual voice at the piano. He’s sure to have a major role in the future of American jazz.” – St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“The Peter Martin Trio was a different animal: feisty, fierce, and crackling with virtuosity” – Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
“Peter Martin’s artistry is nothing short of extraordinary. To sing with him is sublime – To listen to him play is a transcendent experience.” - Dianne Reeves
“Peter is a complete pianist, performing with maturity well beyond his years.” - Ellis Marsalis
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PRESS ARTICLES:
RFT Best Jazz Artist 2010
SIBELIUS Peter Martin article
Big River @ Chicago Symphony Hall on NPR
* artist and producer ** Grammy® winner
