Martin Browne
| Martin Browne | |
|---|---|
| Education | Boston Grammar School |
| Occupation | Accountant, Folk musician |
| Employer | Twells of Billinghay, self-employed |
Martin Browne was educated at Boston Grammar School in the 1960s. While at school, in about 1965, he was a member of the rhythm and blues band Uther Pendragon under his nickname of Bruin Browne.
Whilst away at college in Loughborough he was introduced to the intricacies of fingerstyle acoustic folk music when he overheard fellow students in his hall of residence. Won over by the songs of such artists as Peter, Paul and Mary, Gordon Lightfoot, Tim Hardin, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor he set out to practise their various techniques until, after a period of only thirty-five years, and during a period of mid-life crisis, he felt confident enough to inflict himself once more upon an unsuspecting public in July 2001.[1]
Other influences have been Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, Bonnie Raitt, Bert Jansch, John Renbourn and, in more recent years, Richard Shindell, David Wilcox, Lucy Kaplansky, Beth Nielsen Chapman and many others.[1]
Inspired by the array of song-writing talent at Spalding Folk Club he began writing his own songs in September 2001.[1]
If asked who was the most influential of the above the answer would undoubtedly be Gordon Lightfoot.[1]
He is treasurer of and a resident performer at Spalding Folk Club[1] and wrote a fortnightly folk music column for the Spalding Today newspaper[2].
Martin joined forces with Elizabeth Padgett in March 2002 - initially when Martin approached Elizabeth to sing a couple of songs at a singaround - but they have not looked back since. Although coming from quite different musical backgrounds it did not take long to realise that their respective styles and voices were both compatible and complementary. Their act is a blend of traditional songs and sensitive contemporary compositions, several of which have been written by Martin and, more recently by Elizabeth.[1]
External links
- Official website
- Spalding Folk Club official website
- Martin Browne on YouTube
- Martin Browne on Soundcloud
- Martin Browne on Reverbnation