New music from Martin Lloyd Howard

Based in the town of Reigate in the UK, guitarist and composer Martin Lloyd Howard is one of the country’s most distinctive instrumental voices, working as a musician whose playing flows across eras, genres and emotions with pure grace. Trained in the classical tradition but driven by curiosity and experimentation, his music travels between classical guitar, the storytelling heart of folk and the emotional context of blues and rock.

Performing both solo or collaborating with others, his work is defined by an unspoken lyricism, a sense that every note carries both poise and feeling. His approach to the guitar is one of both reverence and exploration; it’s a voice capable of expressing nuance, character and emotion in a way that transcends words. His pieces are never about technical display, though his skill is readily apparent and over the last five years, he’s forged a sound that feels personal and widely engaging, built on melody, atmosphere and storytelling.

His journey began, fittingly, in the world of classical guitar, the origins from which his expressive range would grow. That early discipline gave Martin a command of tone and phrasing that still shines throughout his work today. Yet over time, he began expanding his horizons, folding in elements of folk, blues and rock, both acoustic and electric, resulting in a sound that sits somewhere between the intimacy of a quiet recital and the expansive warmth of a folk ensemble.

Since his 2020 debut single “The Night Train,” he’s released a series of original compositions that have gathered tens of thousands of streams online, building a reputation for elegant, emotionally compelling instrumental music. While collaboration has played a role in shaping his artistic output, particularly through his work with Mark Johnson of The Midnight River Crew, it’s in his solo work that his vision truly comes alive. One of his most recent releases titled “Selene” was inspired by a moonscape painted by his wife, with the piece taking its name from the ancient Greek goddess of the moon.

It’s a work of delicate solo acoustic guitar, played on a fifty-year-old classical instrument whose warm, bright tones give the piece a mesmeric quality. Gliding with intricate flickers of chords and gentle notes, Martin’s tender performance delivers a delightful sound of beautiful and subtly uplifting instrumental music. Taking listeners on a soothing two and a half minute journey of alluring melodic moments and calming performance, it’s another stunning showcase of his compositional talent and performance flair.

Once again presenting a timeless and thoroughly enjoyable musical experience, “Selene” delivers a charming sound instilled with heartfelt context. As he continues his mission to bring original nylon-string compositions to more and more listeners, Martin Lloyd Howard is sure to go from strength to strength as a must watch artist for years to come.

Listen to Selene below

More from Music

---

Editor Picks

---