The Musician and Producer
Music was always a big part of my life. With my father being a hi-fi enthusiast, the radio, records or tapes were always playing.
How it all began . . .
I began playing the guitar, as my first instrument, in 1965, inspired by The Shadows and The Beatles. Later, I moved to bass guitar because the band did not have a bass player. Interest in other instruments developed as the need to play them arose. (That's me on the left)
I am largely self-taught, although I did study 'Sums and Drums' - Mathematics and Music whilst at teacher training college in the 1970s.
My old Fender Precision Fretless. I bought this with a term's student grant and lived on baked beans for three months!
My 1970s Fender Telecaster.
During my career, I have shared the stage with Chris Barber's Jazz and Blues Band, Kenny Ball's Jazz Band, Marion Montgomery and Laurie Holloway, Freddie and the Dreamers, Jigsaw, Long John Baldry, Hot Chocolate and great friend - Raymond Froggatt.
My 1970s Fender Jazz Bass - Lovely!
Whilst with Saraband in the 1970s, I appeared on Granada Television and featured on many shows on BBC Radio 2.
I have worked with my pal, Steve Ashcroft, on and off for over thirty five years. We supported Hot Chcocolate on their 1983 'Love Shot' Tour and also Raymond Froggatt and his Band on seven tours between 2000 and 2006, where this shot was taken during the sound check at the NIA Academy.
My Solo Album - WITHOUT WORDS
This is my instrumental solo album - featuring twelve tracks of jazz, blues and rock solo guitar, twin and three-part guitars. If you like Thin Lizzy and Wishbone Ash, you'll like this.
Solo Album - LOOK AT ME NOW
My first vocal solo album - features new recordings of ten songs originally penned in 1979, with me singing all the vocal parts and playing all the instruments - a totally original work.
The front cover of Mart's second
vocal solo album - FOR YOU
FOR YOU - Mart's latest solo album features new recordings of ten songs written in 1982.
Again, Mart is singing all the parts and playing all the instruments - another truly original work.
On sale at concert venues or by post at the usual prices.
Mart's third vocal solo album -
I Think of You
I Think of You - is a CD recording of ten tracks, originally recorded on two stereo reel-to-reel tape recorders, back in 1983.
Mart is again playing and singing everything, having engineered the work as well.
These are not re-recordings, but as they came off the reel-to-reel tape recorders - forty years ago.
The Collection
The Collection - is just that - sixteen of Mart's favourite tunes and songs from his previous albums. Enjoy!
ASHCROFT AND LEWIS - THIS TIME
This is the current album with my pal, Steve Ashcroft. It features twelve tracks including eight brand new songs, new versions of three older songs and one of my tunes. It was recorded at Steve's Woodbridge Studio, Bloxwich and my Midhurst Music Studio.
Steve Ashcroft -
Vocals/ Guitars/Bass/Percussion.
Martin Lewis - Vocals/Guitars/Bass/Keyboards/Percussion.
