Venezuelan guitarist Felix Martin is probably the only 16-string guitarist you know. His next album, Mechanical Nations, will be out on February 24th, to be followed by a tour in March. The progressive/world fusion guitarist has a ton of influences, as you can hear from the album’s “Bom.” With world music, jazz and metal as some of the touchstones, of his style, he’s compiled a Spotify playlist of what he’s been listening to lately, and it’s as diverse as Mechanical Nations. You can catch his tour dates below the song descriptions.
Ensamble Gurrufio, “Ay compa’e (Live)”
This is probably my favorite world music group of all time. They play traditional Venezuelan music with a jazz and prog twist. This is all I listened to when I was learning guitar and tapping.
Panzerballet, “Typewriter II”
One of the greatest progressive metal / jazz fusion acts of all time, in my opinion. They should be touring a lot more and be recognized by a bigger audience. Legends.
Car Bomb, “Secrets Within”
Just discovered them. They are as genius as Meshuggah, but totally different at the same time. If you are into prog metal, you need to listen to them.
A Tribe Called Quest, “Conrad Tokyo”
Really love a lot of R&B, hip hop and rap, including these guys and Kendrick Lamar. This song is one of my favorites.
Alluvial, “Lila”
New album by Keith Merrow and Wes Hauch, another masterpiece of instrumental metal. As genius as Blotted Science, but different at the same time.
Theo Croker, “Transcend”
Probably my favorite Jazz act for the past few months. Dude is amazing. Similar vibe to Snarky Puppy. It amazes me to see young jazz talents being so creative.
Bibio, “Fire Ant”
I’ve been listening to acts like this a lot lately. Downtempo, electronic chill, disco kind of vibe like Tycho. This is my personal favorite of that style. This song is really amazing.
Spastic Ink, “A Chaotic Realization of Nothing Yet Misunderstood”
The craziest prog metal song ever. Total masterpiece by master Jarzombek.
Noname, “Forever (feat. Ravyn Lanae & Joseph Chilliams)”
Probably the most creative hip hop album I listened to last year.
The Derek Trucks Band, “Sahib Teri Bandi – Maki Madni”
One of my favorite songs. Trucks has an incredible feel on the guitar.
Robert Glasper, “Y’Outta Praise Him”
Virtuosity perfectly mixed with beautiful melodies, jazz and rhythm syncopation. One of my favorite tunes of all time.
Molotov, “El Carnal de las Estrellas”
Just thought that I might add some Latin American rock / hip hop stuff. They are amazing and I’ve been digging this recently.
Nick Johnston, “Out of the Wasteland”
One of the greatest young guitarists out there. This song is particularly genius in my opinion.
Julian Lage, “Clarity”
This song is a jazz / classical masterpiece. Really one of the greatest. If you like jazz you should know this guy.
The Algorithm, “Bouncing Dot”
Really genius electronic prog metal piece. This dude is the future of electronic / metal music.
Tour dates (with Consider the Source)
3/8 – Pittsburgh, PA @ James Street (Ballroom)
3/9 – Akron, OH @ Musica
3/10 – Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s
3/11 – Dekalb, IL @ The House
3/12 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Hi-Fi
3/15 – Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House
3/16 – Washington, DC @ Gypsy Sally’s
3/17 – Asbury Park, NJ @ The Wonder Bar
3/18 – Albany, NY @ The Hollow
3/19 – Bridgeport, CT @ The Acoustic
