upcoming events
Medeski Martin & Wood + Alarm Will Sound Collaborate
Thursday, February 5, 2015 - Friday, February 6, 2015
Denver, CO United States
Buy Tickets
Medeski Martin & Wood / Alarm Will Sound Collaborate
Friday, February 6, 2015
Boulder, CO United States
Buy Tickets
Medeski, Martin & Dunn at Village Vanguard
Thursday, February 12, 2015
New York, NY United States
Buy Tickets
new release
Billy Martin contributes to Maps to the Stars feature film soundtrack
- MAPS TO THE STARS a DAVID CRONENBERG Film - A tour into the heart of a Hollywood family chasing celebrity, one another and the relentless ghosts of...
Read More »Latest News
New Book “Wandering” set for November Release
Five years ago, the editor of the Japanese magazine Rhythm & Drum asked me to contribute a monthly column. We called it “Profound Roots,” and within it I had free reign to explore anything that moved me: from books and movies I found inspiring to the personal experiences, musical and otherwise, that have helped shape my outlook.
Over time, I began to see these columns as a journey into the processes, concepts, successes, and failures I’d been through and learned from – as a teacher, as a musician, as a human being. These essays are all about being a drummer, but I feel the ideas and challenges they discuss can be relevant across the creative spectrum. I’m not only talking to other musicians, but to anyone who tries to approach the world with wonder, curiosity, and care.
Looking back at this selection of columns now, I see a sketched-out roadmap to some of the most fulfilling places my journey has taken me. It’s a roadmap I’d like to share, in hopes that it will lead you into illuminating corners of yourself that you might not have found on your own.
Thank you to all of my Kickstarter backers – you made this dream a reality and I am deeply grateful.
Special thanks to Editor Julia Jarcho (a playwright and director from New York City – also Assistant Professor of English and Drama at New York University) & Designer Heung Heung Chin (chief designer for John Zorn’s Tzadik imprint) – I could not have done this without you.
A Benefit for Jajouka
A benefit record produced by Billy Martin for Howe Records
THE ROAD TO JAJOUKA is a musical tribute to the Master Musicians of Jajouka led by Bachir Attar. The album features new performances and remixes by western ‘master’ musicians in support and celebration of Jajouka’s rich musical and cultural traditions.
Visit Facebook.com/TheRoadToJajouka for more information.
Listen to a sample track at Something Else! Reviews.
The 180 gram LP version will be available from Amulet Records in October.
Wicked Knee in Europe
Wicked Knee is making waves all over Europe. Stream this live radio broadcast from Internationales Jazzfestival Münster.
Podcast interview with Billy Martin about new record
Lot’s of insight on Billy’s new record Heels over Head. Billy talks about his approach to composing with his brass-mates. Several tracks from the record are streaming with interview. Choose the ‘permalink’ for best sound quality. Thank you to Passing Notes’ Mark Hayes for the great interview.
My name is
My name is Billy Martin (aka illy B).
I am an experimental artist.
Most people know me as a drummer (Medeski Martin & Wood), teacher and composer. I am also a visual artist and filmmaker.
Here you will find my record label catalog, visual exhibits and educational information available to sample and purchase.
I hope you enjoy your visit! – illy B
CW is an experimental short shot on 16mm film by Billy Martin
This is an exclusive bonus video only available in Medeski Martin & Wood’s personal documentary DVD “FLY IN A BOTTLE” (2010).
into 2013
- A brand new record titled Heels over Head by Billy Martin’s Wicked Knee brass band is available January 8th 2013 on Amulet Records
- Composing and recording ‘A Festival of Percussion’ with my former students: the FANG percussion group and special guest Aiyb Dieng
- Composing music for my second feature film Mirage (2013) by director Szabolcs Hajdu and starring Isaach De Bankolé.
- Lots of live shows this year with MMW, Billy Martin/Wil Blades Duo and Billy Martin’s Wicked Knee
- I am very excited to start writing and shooting a very personal film about all the great downtown NYC artists I know and love.
- And hopefully I’ll find a little time to create some more paintings and drawings along the way!
- oh yeah, I will be turning 50 years old this October and I hope to have a concert celebration with lots of dear friends in NYC.
2012 accomplishments in music & art
- My first film score for director Teddy Schenk 7E (2013) was completed.
- Crossed the 20 year threshold with my trio Medeski Martin & Wood in 2012
- My anti-instructional “Life on Drums” was nominated ‘best educational dvd’ in ModernDrummer magazine and received the Park City Film Music Festival Silver Medal for Excellence in a Music Documentary.
- 2 solo art exhibitions in 2012: 1.spring: MORRISON GALLERY 2.winter: ShapeShifter Lab
- JazzTimes magazine (December 2012) put me on the cover with an in depth feature about who I am and what I do. Billy Martin: Beyond MMW – By Ted Panken
- I have been producing a remix record for The Master Musicians of Jajouka which will feature Ornette Coleman, Flea, Lee Renaldo, Medeski Martin & Wood, Mickey Hart, DJ Logic and Marc Ribot. This record should be out in 2013. Stay tuned.