Coming from a musical family, trombonist Andy Martin launched his career while still in his teens. His technique and virtuosity quickly established him on the Los Angeles music scene, and since that time he has become one of the most in-demand trombonists across the country and around the world. His sparkling bebop lines and musicianship make him equally at home on the stage and in the studio. He maintains a busy schedule in L.A. as a recording artist, sideman, and section player, while traveling frequently for guest appearances.
Andy's first influence was his father, music educator and trumpeter David Martin. He also owes much to his teachers and outstanding fellow musicians Charlie Shoemake, Robert Simmergren, and Roy Main. As an instructor, Andy has influenced countless young players as a guest artist and clinician.
A world-class jazz musician, Andy has released twelve albums as either leader or co-leader. These albums showcase his dazzling improvisation alongside other top jazz artists such as the late Carl Fontana, Pete Christlieb, Bobby Shew, and Eric Marienthal. He has also collaborated as a sideman with jazz greats such as Stanley Turrentine, Vic Lewis, and Horace Silver.
Additionally, he is well-known for his work as a lead player and featured soloist with virtually every big band in L.A, most notably as lead trombonist and featured soloist with Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band. He is also the lead trombonist and soloist for The Tom Kubis Band and soloist for the Bill Holman Big Band. Andy has also appeared in bands led by Jack Sheldon, Louis Bellson, Quincy Jones, Matt Cattingub, Bob Curnow, Patrick Williams, and Sammy Nestico, and Poncho Sanchez, among others.
Andy has long been one of L.A.'s first call trombonists for commercial recordings, television and motion pictures, and live theater. He has contributed on albums for many popular artists, including the Pussycat Dolls, Coldplay, and Michael Buble. His television credits include every major awards show - the Grammys, Emmys, Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards - "Dancing With The Stars," "American Idol," "Family Guy," "American Dad," "King of the Hill," and many others. His motion picture credits include the soundtracks of over 150 major films, including a project with Grammy Award winning rap artist Kanye West for the soundtrack of Mission Impossible III, John Carter, Tin Tin, Glory Road, Just Like Heaven, Rush Hour, Planet of the Apes, Spiderman, Big Fat Liar, Enemy of the State, Armageddon, Patch Adams, and Romeo Must Die, and animated hits like Monsters, Inc., Robots, and Cars. Andy is also first call trombonist at Hollywood's Pantages Theater, where he has played for Broadway hits like Mel Brooks' The Producers, Disney's The Lion King, Wicked, and Hairspray.
The broad range of his career is a credit to his exceptional talent. He counts among his influences the trombone greats Frank Rosolino and Carl Fontana, as well as saxophonist Michael Brecker and trumpeter Clifford Brown. He has incorporated these elements into a personal style that is a balance of accuracy and spontaneity, discipline and creativity. His warm tone and impeccable articulation, equally adept in all styles, never grow stale. His exciting improvisations and melodic fluidity showcase a level of technique hardly matched among trombonists.
