It was only a few months ago that Australian Musician’s Craig Eriksson caught up for a chat with Canadian-bred, Australian-based guitarist and singer-songwriter Jeff Martin ahead of his band The Tea Party heading out on tour to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of their milestone album TRIPtych. That tour was a great success and you can check out AM’s review of their Palais Theatre show here
Once again we were blessed to revisit Jeff, this time ahead of his solo tour playing The Songs of David Bowie. See dates below. However, the real reason we wanted to grab Jeff’s attention this time, was to sit him down to discuss his amazing collection of rare and exotic fretted instruments.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips had the pleasure of chatting to Jeff Martin about his love for middle eastern sounds, as Jeff presented an array of his favourite fretted friends.
Some brief notes on the instruments seen in the interview. Photos courtesy of Melissa Barrett:
1. 1916 Gibson Harp Guitar
Acquired as a signing gift from Dean Cameron, the president of EMI records, the Tea Party’s label in 1993
2. Maton double neck acoustic
One of a kind custom made by Andy Allen a decade ago, originally planned as a Maton Jeff Martin signature guitar, which Jeff is hoping still might happen one day.
3. Sarod
Owned by Sarod master Ali Akbar Khan and is around 100 years old
4. 1971 Gibson Les Paul Recording Model
Jeff’s studio guitar. This is an instrument that Les Paul originally wanted Gibson to manufacture as the Recording model, however the guitar brand suggested that it first needed to be simplified. While once in New York, Jeff had Les Paul’s guitar technician Tom Doyle rewire it back to Les’ original specifications.
5. 1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom (Black Beauty)
Bequeathed to Jeff by the late Tea Party manager Steve Hoffman. Features Transperformance technology and holds 240 custom tunings accessed via the buttons on guitar body or footswitch.
6. Hurdy Gurdy
Built by Tasmanian luthier Harry Wass
JEFF MARTIN: THE SONGS OF DAVID BOWIE TOUR SEPTEMBER 2024
One of the most influential artists of the modern era, David Bowie’s works have shaped (and reshaped) musical genres over several decades, with his ever evolving personae matched only by his songwriting ability. Jeff Martin is looking forward to honouring one of his greatest music influences across 2 solo acoustic sets, delivering an interpretation of classic Bowie songs. The Songs of David Bowie, performed by Jeff Martin, will prove to be a powerful experience not to miss!
Sat 14 Sep | Imperial Hotel Eumundi | Sunshine Coast
Fri 20 Sep | Sooki Lounge | Belgrave
Sat 21 Sep | Corner Hotel | Melbourne
Sat 28 Sep | Miami Marketta | Gold Coast
Sat 5 Oct | Jive | Adelaide
Wed 23 Oct | The Brass Monkey Cronulla | Cronulla
Thu 24 Oct | King Street |
https://www.jeffmartinofficial.com/tour
REVISIT THE ARMADA’S MAIDEN VOYAGE
And finally, for hardcore Jeff Martin fans here’s a link to an interview we did with Jeff at soundcheck for the debut performance of his 2009 project The Armada