ANDY MARTIN - Andy started playing in his early teens, after being exposed to music at an early age by his mother, who often played classical piano for him. He dedicated his teenage years to practicing his instrument for sometimes 16 hours a day, while studying theory, ear training, composition and improvisation with Ted Greene and Chris Risola. Andy says, "I would skip school a lot and play guitar over my friends house, in his garage. Then my mother found out and she was really cool about It. She started to write me notes, to get me out of school as long as long as I passed. She knew I loved music at a totally different level then anyone could imagine".

As a teenager, Andy didn't have many friends and realized that the few he did have were true friends and totally supportive of his dreams. His passion for the instrument intensified as Andy began supporting himself soon after by teaching others. Andy states "I couldn't get enough guitar in my life, and I heard so much in my minds ear, It was the only way for me to escape the heartache and pain of my mother being terminal with cancer since I was 10 years old. I had something to say, but I had no one to say It to, so I said It through music. It's crazy, to this day I hear music when I see the sunset, watch children play, when I see leaves blow down the street, gaze upon the midnight stars or when I stare at the ocean blue. I hear music all the time and I write music with no instrument in front of me."

One day Andy came up with his technique by watching his mother (Grace) use both hands on the piano. And adapted this style so he could play the melody, chords and bass all at the same time. Andy exhibited his technique to his mother one day and they started to play duets together. He would literally see the sunrise, trying to perfect his technique. Andy calls this technique "Table-Top Guitar".

Andy went on the road, touring the world right out of high school, knowing his mother was lying on her death-bed. She encouraged him to continue touring and not to stop for her or anything. On Nov 18th 1991 Andy's mother died in his arms when he was home from touring. Andy states " It was about 7:50 pm, my mother asked me to play some piano for her that night, that's when I knew she was leaving this world. I know the last thing she wanted to hear was music and my voice. When I was done playing for her, I sat next to her holding her in my arms, I felt her heartbeat diminish and I said "it's OK mama, you can go now, no more pain mama", She said, "I'm not leaving you Andy, I'm taking you with me". I will never forget the feeling of my mother dying in my arms; It was so cold, dark and lonely. I had no one to turn to or share my passion with, but I realized that when my mother died in my arms , she put me in touch with heaven".
Andy has made a horde of friends in his life from touring. Andy states, "I Love making friends with real people, people who are true, honest, loving and caring. I always said, I rather has a friend for a lifetime, than a piece of ass for the night." Andy describes himself as a damn good man, honest, true, loving and caring. A man who will help anyone, because it's his nature. Andy also states, "My mama brought me up a good man with the proper morals and respect, the road dragged me up!" Andy is a friend everyone would want to have.

Andy's compositions come from within. They tell a story, sonically (programic concertos). He considers harmonic contents a part of his soul and a building block for what he calls "Melodic Instrumental Soul Music, with emphasis on Rock, featuring Two-Handed Tapping Technique".

Andy has a wellspring of ability on the fingerboard, his melodic phrasing is a touch of heaven and his technique is the work of a demon. His compositions exhibit depth, taste and original expression with a wealth of harmonic content. In his compositions, one can hear influences from such greats as Ted Greene, Randy Rhoads, Steve Vai, Vivaldi, Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, Eric Johnson, Brahms, and Larry Carlton.

What makes Andy different & separates him from other guitarist is not only , his technique and songwriting but he works well with others and mostly the life he has lived, he lashes out through his guitar playing. Every note has his soul into It! His Happiness, anger and sorrow is felt in every note he plays and seen in his performance. On stage Andy becomes the Andyman, the stage is his turf!
After spending the last two decades touring world wide, Andy currently resides somewhere in the USA, LOL, where he continues to compose, record, teach and perform. Andy has lived in Los Angeles, Nashville, North Carolina and Daytona Beach. Andy has written the first ever Seven String instructional aide titled "Seven String Guitar." Seven String Guitar is quoted by good friend Steve Vai and is currently breaking all instructional aide sales records according to the publisher Hal Leonard Corporation.

Andy's latest publication called "The Guitar Arpeggio Encyclopedia", which is published by Mel Bay publications and quoted by guitar legend Ted Greene. Has soared to Mel Bay's "Hot List" and "Best Sellers List". Andy has also started his own publishing company called "From Up Above Music" / ASCAP which his music has been licensed to Universal Music Group and is featured on several compilations. Andy also has been performing clinics internationally for some of his endorses.

Andy has been called an over-achiever, do to his passion and drive as a musician. Andy's accomplishments range from gold & platinum records, A two time best selling author, Andy has been put on Ibanez / Hoshino Gakki's payroll as their "Product Demonstrator / Product Evaluator"!

Andy was LA's number one hired gun, playing with artist such as...... ..Steelheart, Kid Rock, Tuff, Dr. Dre, R. Kelly, White Lion, Tim Mcgraw, Great White, Gretchen Wilson, Billy Sheehan, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, Andy Timmons, Paul Gilbert, Rusty Cooley, Blues Legend Stacy Mitchhart, Ted Nugent, Kieth Urban, Big & Rich, Nikki Sixx, Chris Olivas, Tommy Lee, Stephen Stills, Lynda Rodstant, Joni Mitchell, Ted Greene, Steve Stevens, Seal, Johnny G, Jordan Zevon, George Lynch, Frank Gambale, Scott Henederson, Buzz Feifton, George Clinton, Snoop Dog, Billy "The Budda" Dickens, TM Stevens and the list goes on!!
Andy has a life contract with Ibanez. Andy's solo career was more than he ever thought would happen, with the release of Brother From Another Mother, he gained world recognition of his gift!

Andy has been teachin guitar for over 20 years! Andy has taught all over this country. He taught master classes at GIT, Musicians Institute in Los angeles with his mentor Ted Greene, he also taught at LAMA (Los Angeles Music Academy) with Frank Gambale. Andy has taught several multi paltnium recording artist such as Seal, Steve Stevens, Mark Kendall, Even Joe Satriani wanted some tips for 7 string guitar and many more!

Andy has a deep passion for the piano, which he has been playing and perfecting his piano skills religiously.
Andy's past times include, hangout with his real friends, making new cool friends, keeping in touch with his faith, riding his chopper, wrenching on bikes, boxing, going to the shooting range, hanging out at the beach, thinking about life, getting tattooed, laughing and getting a little crazy and spending as much time as he can with his wife! Andy describes himself as a simple man, "All I need is a guitar, my wife, cheeseburger and I'm Golden!".
Andy is very particular about his equipment and proudly endorses Ibanez Guitars 4 life!, SIT Strings, Dimarzio and Levy's Leathers, Ahdown Amps, Eventide .