upcoming events
Wicked Knee at Evanston Space
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Evanston, IL United States
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Wicked Knee at Dakota Jazz Club
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Minneapolis, MN United States
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Wicked Knee at Jazz in the Park (Free!)
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Milwaukee, WI United States
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new release
The Invention of Animals – The John Lurie National Orchestra CD and vinyl
“The three of us got together to try and write stuff for my band The Lounge Lizards, but what happened between Billy, Calvin and I was magical. After...
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On the wandering path of discovery with Medeski Martin & Wood percussionist Billy Martin.
Help Billy raise the funds to print his new deluxe limited edition book Wandering.
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.