New Album in 2026
Martin Taylor – Standards USA Tour 2026
The virtuoso of fingerstyle jazz returns with a celebration of timeless standards
Multi-award-winning guitarist Martin Taylor MBE has been described by Jeff Beck as “the best guitarist in the world” and by Pat Metheny as “one of the most awesome solo guitar players in history.” Renowned internationally for his warm stage presence, dazzling fingerstyle technique, and unforgettable interpretations, Martin has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning six decades, including collaborations with Stéphane Grappelli, Tommy Emmanuel, Chet Atkins, and many of the world’s greatest jazz musicians.
In 2026, Martin Taylor returns to the stage with his brand-new solo show “Standards”, celebrating the golden age of jazz through fresh and evocative arrangements of classic tunes from the Great American Songbook. Audiences can expect an evening of breathtaking musicianship, rich harmonies, and stories that transport you behind the music—from smoky jazz clubs to concert halls around the world.
Whether you’re a long-time jazz lover or discovering Martin’s music for the first time, Standards promises an intimate, uplifting concert experience from one of the true greats of our time.
* Martin Taylor’s new album ‘Standards’ will be released on The Guitar Label in Spring 2026.
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Biography
Martin Taylor is a multi-award winning guitarist and Acoustic Guitar magazine calls him ‘THE Acoustic Guitarist of his Generation’. He dazzles audiences with his solo shows, which combine virtuosity, emotion, humor, and a strong stage presence while his inimitable style has seen him recognized as the world’s foremost exponent of solo fingerstyle guitar playing. Taylor has invented and developed a way of playing the guitar that is admired, and often imitated, by guitarists all over the world.
Collaborations with artists including Jeff Beck, Tommy Emmanuel, Bill Wyman, Chet Atkins, David Grisman, Dianne Schuur and Gary Burton have seen him garner two honorary doctorates, a BBC lifetime achievement award, Top 10 albums in both the USA and Europe, a record 14 British Jazz Awards and in 2002 he was appointed MBE ‘For Services to Jazz Music’ by Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain. As one of the world’s most recognized online guitar teachers his innovative online guitar school with its headquarters in Napa, CA has been featured on NPR, BBC, Fox News and the LA Times and is subscribed to by guitarists in over 58 countries.
“He out-shred’s all of us put together…I’ve never seen anything like it” – Jeff Beck
“Martin Taylor is one of the most awesome solo guitar players in the history of the instrument. He’s unbelievable” – Pat Metheny
“Europe’s finest guitarist” – JazzTimes
“The man is no less than a guitar genius” – Martin Bashir (MSNBC Anchor)
“There is a touch of genius in his playing” – Classical Guitar Magazine
“No matter how complex or daring, Taylor’s interpretations never short change the melodies; indeed, his remarkable fluid touch embues a seamless beauty. Martin Taylor is something to behold.” – The Washington Post
“Taylor is the finest British guitarist of his generation” – The Times of London
“Rich in talent and elegance, he’s a great artist” – Stephane Grappelli
“Martin Taylor is one of the greatest and most impressive guitar players in the world.” – Chet Atkins