Funky piper, electric violinist, whistler and composer auditioned for The Music School way back in the 1980s. Stunning the panel with his bagpipe playing even though he could not read or write a note of music, Martyn was warmly welcomed and his unique creative talent developed quickly along with his interest and love of Scottish music. After his time at The Music School, he studied at The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow.
Martyn's music, as described in The Scotsman, has 'Gaelic roots but also draws inspiration from the music of many cultures and the resulting sound can take in everything from ceilidh music and Afro-Islamic grooves to dub, jungle, jazz and trip-hop music.' His interest in world music was constantly stimulated by extensive travel and playing in major folk festivals around the globe.
Martyn often took time out of his busy schedule to give workshops at the Music School and was commissioned to write Mackay's Memoirs for the Music School Chamber Orchestra to play at the opening of the New Scottish Parliament in Princes Street Gardens. After several other performances (including the opening of the 2004 National Mod) the piece was recorded and the CD is available from the School and local record shops.
Martyn died on 30th January 2005, following a long struggle with cancer.
Martyn Bennett's Grit: The Documentary
