Biography

I'm Riley Martin, a jazz guitarist from San Jose, California, now based in Chicago. My playing blends the swing and soul of jazz tradition with a contemporary edge, shaped by early influences like classical, bossa nova, funk, hip-hop, and Motown. I first picked up the guitar through rock and fusion, but everything changed when I joined my high school jazz band—that’s when I discovered the power of improvisation. I’m also the great-nephew of Walter “Fats” Pichon, the legendary New Orleans pianist and bandleader, and his legacy instilled in me a deep connection to the history and spirit of Black American music.

After graduating from Roosevelt University, where I studied with jazz guitar great Henry Johnson, I’ve continued to explore the lineage of players like Wes Montgomery and George Benson while developing my own voice. My mission as a musician is not just to perform but to pass on this living tradition through education, mentorship, and a deep respect for jazz’s rich cultural legacy.