A JAZZ guitar master will showcase his talent in Otley this month.

Martin Taylor, one of the world’s foremost exponents of solo jazz and fingerstyle guitar playing, will take the stage at Otley Courthouse on Saturday, March 25.

Taylor began his musical career at the age of 15 when he joined the band of highly respected jazz drummer Lennie Hastings.

Touring with Hastings led to the guitarist meeting Hot Club violinist Stéphane Grappelli who Martin would go on to play with for 11 years, taking the place of his idol Django Reinhardt.

Those years spent playing with jazz greats allowed Martin to develop his own guitar style which came to the fore when he finally went solo.

As a solo artist he has performed across the world, including at Carnegie Hall and The Royal Albert Hall, and has seen his albums reach the top ten in both Europe and America.

He has also amassed a record 14 British Jazz Awards as a guitarist.

A Courthouse spokesman said: “Martin Taylor brings his personality to his shows, combining virtuosity, emotion, humour, with a strong stage presence.

“His concert at Otley Courthouse will give jazz lovers and guitar enthusiasts the chance to see one of the world’s greatest guitarists up close and personal.

“This is a concert not to be missed.”

Tickets for the 8pm show cost £15 and are available from otleycourthouse.org.uk or by calling the box office on (01943) 467466. They can also be purchased in person from the venue, on Courthouse Street.