Billy Martin

About

Best known as one-third of the jazz-funk trio Medeski Martin & Wood, Billy Martin is a jazz percussionist from New York City. As a fixture in the city's Brazilian music scene during the 1980s, he regularly performed with acts including Batucada and several of Bob Moses' bands before joining Chuck Mangione's group on tour for three years. Martin released his first album with Medeski Martin & Wood, Notes from the Underground in 1991, and has since continued to tour, write and record with the trio while also finding time to collaborate with different artists, including Iggy Pop and Chris Whitley, and operate under the moniker Illy B. In addition to his musical endeavors, Martin is also visual artist and works with various mediums.