In this day and age where music has almost lost its value completely, there are still a few six-string 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 seven albums. It will also feature renown Canadian harmonica player Guy Bélanger on 2 original songs. For the past ten 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 a documentary providing an insight into the reality of independent music.
In 2023, between projects he has released an acoustic cover of Rush’s The Spirit of Radio played on Harp Guitar.
His latest release, Songs from the Kite, a collection of songs written in the past year, is the culmination of Martin’s immense talent. Having delved into guitar pyrotechnics, acoustic bravado, rock, and even blues for years, his journey now brings him into progressive rock, folk, and even pop. Songs from the Kite refers to the part of Canada I come from, which is Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Geographically, the territory resembles an upside-down kite. The metaphor also signifies finally taking off and flying after years of struggling.
“The inspiration for the songs came very quickly and, I must admit, out of the blue. Once I realized the creative juices were flowing, I went full throttle and isolated myself in the studio from November 2023 until April 2024. I was fortunate enough to have renowned British bass player Tony Franklin and German singer Ben Jud on board for the song ‘I Laid Low,’ which I co-wrote with lyricist Nath Farley. I also wrote some great songs with British lyricist Roger Penkethman and Canadian upcoming artist Qual Ix.”
The only song that wasn’t written by Martin is a cover of Chris Whitley’s “Accordingly.” Chris’s massive legacy has always been close to Martin’s heart. It’s a tribute to him from up North.
Martin Larose’s dedication, talent, and contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring aspiring musicians and captivating audiences alike.
