Solo
Martin performs and records as a solo artist on both vibraphone, drums and other percussion, sometimes making use of electronics. A solo album, “Spirits Of Absent Dancers” was released on Discus Music in Autumn 2020, and was named by Guardian writer Richard Williams as one of the top albums of the year. “Behind The Mist”, a set of solo vibraphone pieces was released in 2017. See the albums page for details, and find films on the videos page.
Small Blue
Small Blue is a new band using the classic jazz piano trio line up. It features David Beebee on piano, Marianne Windham on bass, and Martin on drums. A debut album by the trio released in February 2024, quickly receiving radio play on JazzFM and other stations, as well as garnering some glowing reviews. The repertoire features many of Martin’s compositions, and the sound is intimate and atmospheric.
Reviews have drawn comparisons with Bill Evans groups and suggested that many of the tunes have “an air of Ellingtonia”. (Jazz Views ). “Subtle and elegant tunes crisply delivered” (Marlbank)
Espial
Espial (“the act of noticing”) is a new trio which has grown out of sessions working on a follow up to the album Ripples (see ALBUMS page). So the duo of myself on vibraphone and David Beebee on Rhodes electric piano has now become a trio with the addition of the fantastic saxophonist Josephine Davies. The music is mostly freely improvised, with a few carefully chosen compositions dropped into the mix. Look out for an album, on Discus Music, in Spring 2024, and live gigs across the country.
Martin Pyne Quartet
This is a vehicle for my more straight ahead jazz tunes. The band features Marianne Windham on double bass, guitarist Russell Jarrett, and Philippe Guyard on saxophones.
We released an album, “Rickety Racket”, on Bandcamp in Spring 2020. The follow up, “A New Pavan” released to glowing reviews in 2022. Find the links to listen and buy on the Albums page.
… the feel-good, mischief and effortless musicianship of Rickety Racket is, quite simply, blissful. A.P.Reviews
MPH
MPH is an improvising trio featuring pianist/organist Alex Maguire, guitarist Mark Hewins, and Martin playing vibes and drums. The band released a very well received album on Discus Music in autumn 2019. Find it on the Albums page
Under the deceptive guise of easily absorbed melodies and rhythms, this is gently and subversively experimental. A Jazz Noise
Song writing with Laura Zakian
I have an ongoing songwriting collaboration with jazz singer Laura Zakian. The first fruits of this can be heard on Laura’s 2019 EP “Minor Moments” which features Steve Lodder, Paul Bartholomew, Nic France and Simon Thorpe. Find a link to the EP on the Albums page
The artistic alliance of Zakian and Pyne intrigues as to what else they may create together, as there is evident empathy in such poignant, meaningful songwriting delivered with gently uplifting grace. London Jazz News
Dance
I spend probably the greatest part of my professional life working with contemporary dance. The dance world feels very much like my artistic home. Over the years choreographers I have collaborated with include Zamira Kate Mummery, Mikaela Polley, S Ama Wray, and Mark Baldwin.
Silent film
I work regularly playing live accompaniment for silent films, most often in collaboration with leading Silent Film musician Stephen Horne. We have performed together across Europe, Scandinavia, and the USA at major venues creating new scores for a huge range of films including Fragment Of An Empire, Chicago, Variety, and Metropolis.
Martin Pyne - musician 