Martin Gilmore

Origin: Denver, CO
Genres: Folk / Bluegrass
Years Active: 2004 – Present
Website: martingilmore.com

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Bio

Martin Gilmore is an award-winning singer-songwriter, guitarist, and educator whose music blends the rich traditions of folk and bluegrass with thoughtful songwriting and masterful musicianship. With a voice that resonates with sincerity and storytelling that spans time and place, he seamlessly weaves together traditional ballads, fresh interpretations of classics, and original compositions that feel both timeless and immediate.

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In 2024, Martin won both the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Festival Troubadour Competition and the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter’s Showcase, cementing his reputation as one of the most compelling songwriters in contemporary folk and bluegrass.

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His upcoming album, Thea is a Light Blue, is set for release on April 22, 2025. This highly anticipated record showcases his signature blend of intricate songwriting, evocative storytelling, and masterful instrumentation.

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Martin’s debut self-titled album (2009), produced by Travis Book of The Infamous Stringdusters, featured members of FY5, Open Road, and Hot Rize’s Pete Wernick. In 2017, his EP East-West—a collaboration with Egyptian musician Eslam Elabaty—captured the cross-cultural influences of his time living in Cairo (2015–2017). His 2021 release, The Martin Gilmore Trio, showcases the talents of Nick Amodeo (mandolin) and Ian Haegele (bass), along with special guests Tim O’Brien, Courtney Hartman, and Mollie O’Brien. The trio has performed across the U.S. and Ireland and was featured as an official showcase group at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in 2021.

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Beyond performing, Martin is a dedicated music educator. Since 2017, he has been on the faculty at the University of Northern Colorado’s Folk and Bluegrass program, teaching bluegrass guitar, songwriting, and ensemble performance. He has also been a longtime instructor at Swallow Hill Music Association in Denver, where he leads courses in songwriting, guitar, and bluegrass ensemble. Additionally, he has taught courses on bluegrass music, the banjo, country music, and cowboy songs at the University of Denver’s Enrichment Program.

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Throughout his career, Martin has shared the stage with legends like The Infamous Stringdusters, Stephen Stills, and Judy Collins. Whether performing as a solo artist, with The Martin Gilmore Trio, or with his bluegrass band Long Road Home, he continues to bring authenticity, passion, and musical craftsmanship to audiences around the world.