MARTIN ATTERBURY PROFILE

Born in 1953 son of Joan & Albert Atterbury. His Mother was, until recently, a professional Piano Teacher. His Father was not in any way Musical, but his brother Haydn played the Harp in many large orchestras and under such names as Sir Thomas Beecham.

Martin started his musical training at the age of 5, learning the Piano and in his early teens tried his hand at the Guitar--this didn’t last very long!!! He became attracted to the sounds of the Electronic Organ back in the 60s having listened to the late Robinson Cleaver playing the Hammond (C3) Organ at the Spa in Scarborough.

He eventually purchased an Electronic (Wurlitzer) Organ and started to develop his own unique style of playing and back in the 70s/80s was greatly influenced and taught by the late Armsbee Bancroft. This eventually lead to Martin making his first public appearance on Theatre Organ at the Granada Kingston on Thames back in 1973. From this time on, Martin became very busy playing in local Clubs etc. plus other appearances on Theatre Organs.

In the mid 70s, Martin became involved in running a Music School in Burton on Trent and gained two Diplomas in Organ Playing and also qualified as an examiner for one of the Examining bodies. He continued with these activities until 1993, when he decided to concentrate more on playing, although to this day he still runs a very busy and successful Teaching Practice. During this time, Martin made a name for himself in the Dancing World and has played for Sequence, Ballroom and Old Time Dances all over the country using his Technics C700 Organ.. His first CD “At The Ballroom” was launched in 1999 and has sold many copies.

Recently, Martin purchased a Roland Atelier Organ which he will use for Concerts (he will still use the Technics for Dance work). Martin’s new Concert programme includes selections from Musicals such as My Fair Lady, Me & My Girl, The Desert Song and light solos such as The Girl From Corsica, Grasshoppers’ Dance (remember the Milk advert!!), Swing and Latin selections and plenty more.

Martin has recently been engaged as one of the Organists at Ashorne Hall in Warwickshire playing the Compton and recently installed Wurlitzer. He is also one of the Organists at Burton Town Hall (Wurlitzer 3/8) and has played on the most famous Wurlitzer of all in Blackpool Tower on several occasions for crowds of Dancers.