In this day and age where music has almost lost its value completely, there are still a few six-strings warriors out there, who are willing to carry the acoustic guitar flag…even though the rewards are sparse.
Martin Larose is one of them…
Martin Larose, born on September 15, 1966, is a renowned musician hailing from the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. He first discovered his passion for music as a pianist at the tender age of 7. However, it was at the age of 13 that he transitioned to the guitar, a decision that would shape his musical journey. Martin’s dedication to honing his skills led him to the Chicoutimi Conservatory of Music, where he studied classical guitar and double bass for a few years.
Influenced by the likes of Michael Hedges, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Howe, Chris Whitley and Pete Townshend, Martin developed a unique style that blended tapping, atmospheric ambience, and intricate gameplay. His talent and technique garnered recognition in the early 90s when his work was featured in the prestigious magazine Guitar World. Martin became a regular guest artist, frequently appearing at the International Guitar Show in Quebec, where his performances set a benchmark in the world of acoustic guitar. He graced Quebec’s stages and enthralled audiences at jazz and blues festivals.
In the early 2000s, Martin’s creativity extended beyond performing as he conceptualized and established the Arts and Crafts program at the local schoolboard. This educational initiative gained recognition across Quebec, enriching the lives of aspiring young artists. Collaborating with accomplished well known musicians such as Richard d’Anjou of Too Many Cooks, Matt Starr and Fred St-Gelais, Martin also orchestrated and produced a collaborative video during the pandemic covering The Who’s classic “Let’s see action” with none other than Loren Gold. Martin contributed to a diverse range of artistic projects. Demonstrating his versatility, his seventh album, “NORTH,” released in August 2021, showcased his electric guitar prowess. A testament to his virtuosity, Martin collaborated with Saguenay’s own renowned guitarist, Glenn Lévesque of the Montreal Guitar Trio, on a piece titled “Boreal Ritual” (Link: https://youtu.be/FUxboMCd3Qc)
Recently, he was also instrumental in training and recording Québec’s singing sensation Jeanick Fournier who won last year’s edition of Canada’s Got Talent.
As an artist, Martin has independently released six albums, with his upcoming release scheduled for late 2023, titled Hek Of a Ride which he co-wrote with lyricist Nath Farley. It will also feature renown Canadian harmonica player Guy Bélanger on 2 original songs. For the past nine years, he has been the co-owner of Studio Septentrio, a commercial state-of-the-art recording facility located in the picturesque countryside of Jonquière, which he operates with his spouse. Splitting his time between producing albums for artists from Canada, and even Europe, and performing on stage, Martin has become an influential figure in the regional music scene. Notably, he served as the producer and host of the television show “Studio Boréal,” which aired on the MAtv network since fall 2020. Recently, he and his wife directed the documentary “Les Cordes Insensibles,” providing an insight into the reality of independent music.
Martin Larose’s dedication, talent, and contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring aspiring musicians and captivating audiences alike.
