Daniel Guy Martin plays spontaneously composed, solo acoustic guitar with a "first day, last day" attitude and intensity. This commitment keeps Daniel "way out on the edge" playing with a compassionate risk that impacts the audience at a deep heart level. Music “found” Daniel Guy at the age of 10 after his father took his own life providing him a "life line" at a time of intense personal tragedy. Daniel has taken the "road less traveled" being called to excellence through studies and performing in a variety of musical styles ranging from folk to rock to jazz. He has completed programs at Mount Royal College, Capilano College and The Banff Centre for the Arts plus has won a number of academic awards and scholarships including two consecutive years on the Presidents Honour Role. Daniel mentors many up and coming guitarists and composers through his Connect The Frets clinics, website, Instructional DVDs and Digital downloads. Air Canada has recently selected him as an Emerging Canadian Artist and his music is now entertaining passengers on all Air Canada flights. Daniel was part of the writing team that won the 2008 Covenant Award for Jazz Blues Song of the Year and he was nominated for two 2009 Covenant Awards: Instrumental Album of the Year for “Daniel’s Heart” and Instrumental Song of the Year for “Boldness”. His new release “Hollywood Flower” was recorded in Los Angeles and is already garnering critical praise and music placement opportunities. The “Hollywood Flower’s” CD release event also marks Daniel’s first appearance on stage as an actor in the role of ex-rocker, now music therapist Sidney Sargeant for the world premier of the award winning “Second Bloom”. Daniel's music is a celebration of life and his performances are terrific examples of “beingness connected to divine creativity".
Career Highlights:
- Released “Hollywood Flower “ CD - 2010
- Air Canada promotes Daniel as an Emerging Canadian Artist - 2009
- "Daniel's Heart" nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year Covenant Award - 2009
- "Boldness" nominated for Instrumental Song of the Year Covenant Award – 2009
- Jazz Blues Song of the Year Covenant Award winner – 2008
- Guitar Clinician for Guitar Church – 2008 – Present
- Released “Daniel’s Heart” CD, 1007 copies sold in 9 weeks – 2008
- Calgary Life Church Worship Team – 2004 – 2009
- Featured Clinician at Music Alberta – 2004
- Featured Artist at Jack Singer Concert Hall – 2003
- Clinician for Viviane Martin’s “631 Vocal Jazz” workshop – 1997 – 2009
- Artist In Residence at the Banff Centre for the Arts – 1998
"Award-winning guitarist Daniel Guy Martin returns with “Hollywood Flower,” another stellar album of instrumental guitar compositions that simply defy categorization. Part New Age-like spontaneity, part pure jazz improvisation, Martin’s explorations result in melodic and accessible tunes that are nevertheless completely satisfying." Rice B and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
"This album is a celebration of the acoustic guitar. You won't find any elaborate production or complex musical arrangements on this disc. Rather what you get is a raw, stripped-down recording by an artist a commentator on YouTube described as "one of Calgary's best kept secrets." Local musician and guitar instructor, Verne Luchinski, observed after hearing the project, 'If, like me, you are enamored with the sound of wood and steel, there is no sweeter way to pass an hour or so.' " Peter Fleck - City Light News
"Daniel's Acoustic Guitar performance "portrays a multitude of colors and emotions in a skillfully woven kaleidoscope of music that will cause the listener to listen to his own heart." Greg Thomas - Grelin Entertainment