Videos

Martyna Wren – Al Capone’s Girl

• 11th Apr 2014

Recorded to 24-track analogue tape at vintage specialists ‘The Cowshed’ and produced/engineered by Joe Leach, Martyna Wren’s debut single is a reminder of what makes classic recordings so good. A self-penned hook-filled pop song with indescribable warmth and an all-too-rare live sound, Al Capone’s Girl heralds the arrival of both a singer and songwriter of inimitable class. Using original 1960’s preamps and an intentionally nostalgic combination that mixes vibes, cello and flugelhorn with a traditional trio, the result is an unmistakable nod to the cool jazz of the 1950’s and the Bacharach pop sound of the ‘60s.

After hearing a Julie London record at the age of 12, British singer-songwriter Martyna Wren has been poring over vintage recordings and performing her own original compositions ever since. While classmates were plastering pop groups over their school books, Martyna was making Cole Porter and Bacharach mix tapes and spending hours at the family piano. Fast forward to the present day and the result is Martyna Wren’s debut album ‘The World Can Wait’.

During the year’s in-between, Martyna took every opportunity to hone her craft, performing throughout the country and working with some of the finest musicians on the UK scene. One of only 5 people in the UK selected for the Leverhulme Artist Development Scholarship, it was there that she met pianist/arranger John Bowman. Together they recorded the critically acclaimed ‘Oh Butterfly’ EP.

Often described as “a modern day Julie London meets Dusty Springfield”, Martyna has been profiled by Jazz FM as one of the UK’s most acclaimed up-and-coming musicians. She has performed extensively in the UK including The Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Royal Albert Hall, sell-out shows at The London Jazz festival 2012 & 2013 and consecutive sell-out shows at The Stables founded by Dame Cleo Laine. In late 2013 Martyna was also asked to do a schools tour to over 6000 pupils, encouraging young people to explore music outside of the mainstream, a matter very close to her heart. Also a highly-in-demand vocalist, Martyna Wren has written and performed vocals for international DJs and recorded vocals for Downton Abbey composer John Lunn.

Martyna is a Yamaha Artist and Patron of The Notivate Trust. Tour dates are planned for later on this year. Her debut album ‘The World Can Wait’ is due to be released late spring. The perfect season to fall in love with the enchanting sound of Martyna Wren.