Jo Martin is a thrilling and original female drummer from Leicester, England. A natural born player, she taught herself to play the kit from the age of 12. Since then she has worked with a variety of local bands with differing sounds and styles, continually building up her repertoire and experience.

Now 29, Jo has established herself as a solid, but sympathetic and versatile female drummer, who isn’t afraid to graft her way to the top. Despite enjoying the time learning her craft, things really started to happen three years ago when Jo was given a real chance to shine and show us all what she's made of when she was offered a position in The Findley Webster Band. Her time with this project has brought her an enthusiastic fan-base, as well as an assortment of encouraging comments and press reviews.

During this time, Jo was approached for various ‘big-time’ jobs, but felt that the time wasn’t right for her to go professional. She also felt that you have to give a project time to bring it’s rewards, and be loyal to the chance you’ve been given, saying; “…Findley and the rest of the band have given me an ace leg-up in my career and I am content to give them my loyalty in return…”.

Not only did Jo bring her reliability with her into the band, but also injected her own individual style, personality, humour and, above all, energy… that which we are sure she will also do with The Tony Carnagie Band.

Following three years with Findley Webster, Jo thought it was time to develop her skills further and take the plunge into going professional. Answering a small local ad, Jo virtually bagged the job in minutes…

(SB)

(click photos to enlarge)

Jo's first band was MAYFAIR ~ A Midlands based function band mainly hired for private parties and weddings. Their material consisted of 20's-90's cover versions such as; Glen Miller, Pet Shop Boys, Bill Haley, and Frankie Goes To Hollywood - to name but a few. Jo also recorded an album sampler with Mayfair.

Next up came HAIR OF THE DOG ~ A Leicester based 70's rock covers band playing material from acts such as; Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath, Bad Company, Cream, Pink Floyd and Creedence Clearwater Revival. The band were usually featured at three main venues in Leicester; Physio & Firkin, Royal Mail and The Half Time Orange.
During Jo's time with Hair Of The Dog she was also given the opportunity to provide some of the backing vocals - and even remove herself from her beloved kit to take centre stage and sing lead vocals on some 80's and 90's hits including, Black Velvet (Alannah Myles), Everything About You (Ugly Kid Joe), All Fired Up (Pat Benatar), and Bitch (Meredith Brooks). Again, Jo recorded a 6-track demo with the band.

During the summer of 2002, Jo filled a temporary position in MARVEL ~ A Melton based band of original material with a melodic rock sound with a Beatles twist. The band played local pubs and nightclubs, but their biggest gig during Jo's time with the band was headlining Melton Day 2000.
Jo was only with Marvel for a short time as she was filling in for their usual drummer while he was in Canada. Sadly, Jo never got to do any recording work with the band, but they recorded a 3-track EP that went to No.1 in the local Melton single chart.

No, it wasn't a day at the zoo..!	Jo's Beloved Kit!

Jo has also done various other live, recording, session and teaching work over the years, including temping in an original rock band based in Leicester, called GENOCIDE.

But the real break came in October 2000 when Jo turned semi professional and was offered the drummer’s seat with FINDLEY WEBSTER and THE FINDLEY WEBSTER BAND. The project at the time was in it’s early stages, and Jo was infact one of the original members. Within a few months, and armed with her first full band line-up, Findley and crew hit the tour circuit - which hasn’t really stopped since. The original line-up has altered through time, but Jo stayed with the project, recording the album ‘Kiss My Tiara’, plus various other tracks for forthcoming releases. She also remains as a reserve drummer for the band, and will no doubt continue to be associated with the project as it moves forward.

Findley Webster & Co. (Abbey Park Festival 2001)	Flying the Findley Flag... very LOUDLY!

Up to present day, and Jo decides to turn fully professional when she is offered a job with TONY CARNAGIE and his Show Band. It’s a real turn in direction for Jo, but one that is bursting with opportunity and will again show the true diversity of how much Jo can offer, both musically and professionally. A lot of the shows material is from the 80’s, which Jo founded her craft on, and it also has a unique flamboyant energy, which will inevitably be perfect to make Jo to feel at home.

Sam, 'Lily' & Becs...?

Just another day at the office!

...do you like my pout?