Martin Gilmore

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

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Bio

Martin Gilmore is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Denver, Colorado, whose music bridges traditional folk, bluegrass, and original compositions. His rich vocals and masterful guitar playing bring both authenticity and innovation to every song he performs. With a deep respect for musical traditions and a penchant for creative storytelling, Gilmore has built a reputation as a compelling artist in the American roots music scene.

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Martin has released multiple records, beginning with his self-titled debut in 2009, produced by Infamous Stringdusters bassist Travis Book and featuring members of FY5, Open Road, and Pete Wernick of Hot Rize. His 2017 EP East-West, recorded in Cairo, Egypt, showcased a unique cross-cultural collaboration with Egyptian musician Eslam Elabaty. In 2021, The Martin Gilmore Trio featured mandolinist Nick Amodeo and bassist Ian Haegele, with guest appearances from Tim O’Brien, Courtney Hartman, and Mollie O’Brien. The album received high praise from Bluegrass Today, which noted that it "seamlessly journeys through the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains with timeless stories and tasteful instrumentation." Roots Music Report also highlighted the album’s emotional depth and musicianship, stating that it has the "potential, repertoire, and chops to build a legion of fans."

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In 2024, Gilmore won both the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Troubadour Competition and the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter’s Showcase, solidifying his place among today’s most respected folk and bluegrass songwriters. He is a finalist in the 2025 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition. His fifth solo record, Thea Is a Light Blue, was released on April 22, 2025.

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Beyond his work as a performer and recording artist, Martin is a dedicated educator. He has been on the faculty at the University of Northern Colorado since 2017, where he teaches bluegrass guitar, singing, composition, and leads the bluegrass ensemble. He has also taught at Swallow Hill Music Association in Denver since 2008 and has contributed to courses at the University of Denver’s Enrichment Program, covering topics such as bluegrass music, banjo, country music, and cowboy songs. He has also been a featured artist in Carnegie Hall’s Musical Explorers program at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts in Denver, Colorado.

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Martin has performed worldwide as a solo artist, with The Martin Gilmore Trio, and with his bluegrass band Long Road Home. His music and expertise have been featured in Bluegrass Unlimited, The Mountain Ear, and Colorado Community Media, where he was recognized for his involvement in the National Black Legacy Project. He has shared the stage with acts such as The Infamous Stringdusters, Stephen Stills, and Judy Collins, Tim O’Brien, and others.

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With a passion for storytelling, a commitment to tradition, and an ever-expanding musical journey, Martin Gilmore continues to inspire audiences across the globe.