MARTIN WARDLEY
2008 Album: Into the Abyss
Grainy Stills Single: Video links below.
2011 EP: Grainy stills
grainy stills
2010 EP: Out of the Abyss (Choice of Kings)
Born and raised in East Lancs. some time ago I’ve done a little travel, spent some time in the smoke and now live in Bath. I kinda work for the man in a roundabout way never quiet managing to do this music thing full time. A combination of kinda not working for him for a while along with some space found here in Bath lead me to write, record and release the album “Into the Abyss”. This in turn introduced me to a whole array of musical talent who collaborated and cajoled.
Following the release of the album the band was formed - Choice of Kings -–comprised of Andy Drummond (keyboard), Ben Hartley (bass), Andy Pyatt (guitar) and Sam Selby (drums), all once again very talented musicians. We spent last year gigging sporadically around Bath and Bristol while continuing to pen some rather splendid new tunes.
At the start of this year the band took a break to deal with the necessities of life - new arrivals, charity work over seas, day jobs etc - and so I decided to go back to writing/recording in semi-isolation and getting some more tunes out there. A fortuitous break in work for me meant a little focused time and a good few songs were spawned.
In a slight change of approach I’m going to continue to release material as and when I get the time and funds with no particular “album” in mind. I’ll use samples when necessary and musicians when available and collaborative efforts will undoubtedly arise. Choice of Kings will continue when we have the time and the new material/new approach will find its way into the live scene as soon as I’ve/we’ve sorted out what that means.
This approach means that I can maintain interest (throughout!?) and keep this thing moving and hopefully this will generate a little more interest elsewhere. Clearly this approach almost certainly means continuing to earn a crust elsewhere but hey… that’s “folky-anglicised-rootys-rock n roll” for ya!!
Cheers all
x
Venue, Bristol,
"... some cracking stories to tell. ... one tune (‘In the Clues’) bobs on swelling waves of cello, the next (‘Is There Anybody Out There?’) is driven by train engine chugs, electric guitar riffs and growling inquisitions. Each song has at least one catchy melody, which, when combined with Wardley’s inclination for tuneful experimentation, quirky voice, and unapologetic songwriting makes for a memorable listen"
BBC Radio Bristol Introducing.
"This collection is a Dark and brooding one...Time taken has yielded something really special.. as his cave-esque vocal in particular has created an intimate atmospheric quality. Wait worth it"
Taxi.com, US, Nov 2010
".. working hard to develop (his) own unique stylistic personality, and ultimately that's more important than sounding like anyone else. There's a lot of variety in these arrangements, and all three performances are executed with obvious skill and emotional conviction. Thanks for putting such wonderful music into the world!" (In the Clues/is there anybody out there/No time for Angels)
Somerset Times - July 2010
Sounding like Tom Waits sound-tracking a David Lynch movie, next up was The Choice of Kings. A real surprise package for the BotB, the fascinating four-piece, featuring Martin Wardley (vocals and guitar), Andy Pyatt (guitar), Ben Hartley (bass and vocals) and Sam Selby (drums), played hushed gothic Americana.
Martin's vocals drew comparisons to Steve Earle and The Boss while musically the band's sound conjured images of desert road trips across America. The band has finely-crafted songs to spare and an ability to perform which is relaxed but wistfully intriguing.
Porter Cellar Bar, Bath (with Choice of Kings) 23/07/09
St James Wine Vaults , Bath (with Choice of Kings) 06/11/09
St James Wine Vaults , Bath (with Choice of Kings) 13/03/10
Louisiana, Bristol (with Choice of Kings) 16/05/10
BOTB Somerset (with Choice of Kings) 24/07/10
MR Wolfs, Bristol (with Choice of Kings) 26/07/10
Green Park Tavern, Bath (with Choice of Kings) 30/07/10
Trinity, Bristol (with Choice of Kings) 11/07/10
MR Wolfs, Bristol (with Choice of Kings) 25/10/10
51 Stokes Croft, Bristol (with Choice of Kings) 01/11/10
Currently writing/recording new tracks. Gigs will follow shortly - watch this space.
Martin Wardley myspace
Choice of Kings myspace
"Into the Abyss" itunes,uk
"Into the Abyss" phsical CD - £5 :
Martin Wardley facebook musician
Martin Wardley Reverbnation
2010 EP: Out of the Abyss - Choice of Kings
