DESCRIPTION:
New performance spotlight from Vic Firth Artist - Zeke Martin

ABOUT THE PERFORMER:
Born in Brussels, Belgium in 1973, Zeke Martin entered the world with a pair of drumsticks in his hands. As a child, he had a strong appreciation for diverse musical styles such as Jazz, Funk, Reggae, Rock and more. Zeke was influenced by his father, the late Stu Martin, who played with Jazz royalty including Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, Charles Mingus, Dave Holland and Quincy Jones to name a few.

At the age of 12, Zeke made his musical debut with Steve Lacy, in France. He later moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and attended Cambridge Rindge & Latin High School. Here, he further developed his drumming technique in the Jazz & Percussion Ensembles, Band, and other musical outlets. Zeke received the Pasquale and Mary Reale Music Award and performed the percussion solo at the CRLS Graduation.

At the age of 16, Zeke joined a rock band called "Small Town No Airport" and performed along the East Coast. They recorded a CD called "Small Town No Airport" which was sold at Tower Records and HMV in Boston.

In 1996 Zeke started working with The Ed Jones Quartet. After the release of their first CD, the group changed members, modified their sound, and changed their name to Groove 2 This. The new group featured top Boston musicians including Antonio Jackson, Ray Archie, Aaron Spevack and Ed Jones. They performed at numerous venues in the New England area including The Berklee Performance Center opening for Regina Bell and Steppin Out, a black tie charity gala. They also recorded a CD named G2T.

Zeke eventually started his own group called The Zeke Martin Project and recorded their first CD, LANDSCAPES, on GigCity Records in 2001, FUNKY STUFF in 2006, U4RIA in 2009 and 4 on EZ Groove Records in 2012. The Zeke Martin Project won Best Jazz CD at New England Urban Music Awards in 2009. The Zeke Martin Project has performed at popular venues including Sweet Rhythm and Minton's Playhouse in NYC, The NAMM Show, The Middle East, Slade's, Ryle's Jazz Club, Northeastern University, Babson College and toured to New Mexico, along the EastCoast and to Malaysia to name a few. As well as sharing the stage with such performers as The Neville Brothers, Funk Brothers, Ali-Ollie Woodson, three time grammy winner Justin Raines, Nicole Nelson (The Voice), Drop Kick Murphy's, Bronson Arroyo, Regina Bell and many more.

In recent years, Zeke has been reviewed by Drum! Magazine August issue (2002), Scott Yanow from LA Jazz Scene (2009 and 2012) and Jazz Times Magazine (2010 and 2012). Zeke has also received endorsement deals with Vic Firth Drum Sticks (2005), Creation Drums (2009), Supernatural Cymbals (2013), KickPort (2010), Evans Drumheads (2009), Mono Cases (2009) and Beato Bags (2010).

Committed to sharing his passion and love for music, Zeke also serves as a drum coach and instructor for students in the greater New England area including teaching at Music and Arts Center in Newton and Milford and at Northeastern University.