John Martinez - Guitarist Extrordinaire
Santa Fe Sun Nuevo Flamenco written by John Martinez
Wing of Change Acoustic Alchemy
Just little ole me!!!!
St. Pius Reunion on the portal!
Backstreet Grill patio every Saturday night
Mr. Cool!!!!
My favorite practice spot on Earth!
In Store Event
One of my favorite prehistoric fans!
Buffalo Thunder Wedding Show
Overview
Degreed Classical Guitarist, Contemporary Acoustic Guitarist Vocalist, University of New Mexico Classical Guitar Performance Graduate 1986, Guitar Institute of Technology(GIT) Graduate 1987 Performances include the Tennessee Inaugural Ball in 1998 for Bill Clinton's second inauguration plus TV, radio, studio, night clubs, hotels, private parties, weddings & receptions, arts & crafts fairs, art gallery openings, corporate functions, etc, etc. My solo guitar and vocal performance includes contemporary acoustic guitar, core classical guitar from Renaissance & Baroque to Spanish romantic, to Jazz & Jazz Fusion, Flamenco Style, Contemporary Country, Romantic Spanish plus Excellent Vocals.
Reviews
18 reviews
Brendon B.
March 13, 2025John the Guitarist Extraordinaire
I recently had the pleasure of hiring John as our wedding guitarist for both the ceremony and cocktail reception at our event, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the outset, the professionalism exhibited by the guitarist set a positive tone for the day.
The selection of music was tailored to fit the ambiance of both occasions seamlessly. During the ceremony, the guitarist played a beautiful arrangement of classical pieces that created an enchanting atmosphere, enhancing the emotional weight of the moment. The gentle strumming of the guitar provided a serene backdrop that complemented our vows perfectly. It was evident that great care had been taken in curating a playlist that resonated with both our personal tastes and the overall theme of our wedding.
As we transitioned into the cocktail reception, the guitarist adeptly shifted to a more upbeat repertoire that encouraged mingling and conversation among our guests. The quality of performance remained consistently high throughout, showcasing not only technical skill but also an innate ability to engage with the audience. Guests frequently commented on how delightful it was to have live music enhancing their experience.
In terms of pricing, I found the service to be quite reasonable considering the level of expertise and artistry provided. The value for money was apparent; this live musical element significantly elevated our celebration without overwhelming our budget.
One aspect worth noting is the guitarist's flexibility. They were open to requests and adjustments, which made us feel involved in crafting our wedding's soundtrack. This adaptability contributed positively to our overall experience.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this wedding guitarist for anyone seeking to enrich their ceremony and reception with live music. The combination of professionalism, quality performance, and reasonable pricing makes this service an invaluable addition to any wedding celebration. It is clear that hiring such talent can transform ordinary moments into cherished memories.
Hired as: Classical Guitarist, Guitarist, One Man Band, Singing Guitarist, Wedding Singer
John Martinez - Guitarist Extrordinaire
Hey there Brendon this is John Martinez wow that was one heck of a review! I'm always impressed with Stellar reviews but this one is just awesome and I super appreciate it. It was really great to working with you and Tanya. I had a lot of fun playing for y'all and you might recall that I'm playing every Friday night at Bishop's Lodge in Santa Fe from 6:00 to 8:00 if you're ever out messing around you want to come out and listen some guitar stuff. Once again I am so grateful for you guys and thank you for the wonderful review. I wish you guys a blessed marriage for a lifetime. Sincerely John Martinez!
Martha L.
April 28, 2026Great musician
John was a great addition to my big 70th birthday party. He’s an excellent guitarist and singer. Highly recommend!
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
John Martinez - Guitarist Extrordinaire
Thanks for the great review I really appreciate you. Hope to see you again sometime soon and and please check my calendar on The Bash for up-to-date public event gigs. Had a great time thanks again and happy birthday.
Alan S.
January 19, 2026Great guitarist! Perfect for our celebration!
John performed at our Celebration of Life for my Mom. The variety of music was just right for our event and John performed it flawlessly! He asked about what we wanted and accommodated our requests and integrated them with his vast repertoire. Beyond the music he was a responsive communicator, interesting to talk with, and a genuinely nice guy. We will definitely recommend John to friends and family and certainly hire him again for future events.
Hired as: Classical Guitarist, Folk Singer, Guitarist, Singing Guitarist
Corey P.
December 29, 2025Corporate Christmas Party Gig
John Martinez delivered an outstanding performance at KLA’s corporate Christmas party, playing and singing classical guitar with remarkable skill and festive warmth.
His classical guitar playing was masterful—precise technique, rich tone, and expressive phrasing that filled the room with elegance and beauty. He then seamlessly transitioned to beloved Christmas songs, including Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Carol of the Bells, and Joy to the World. His clear, emotive vocals added an intimate and inviting touch, encouraging sing-alongs while keeping the atmosphere polished and professional.
John was punctual, adaptable, and engaging in just the right way—providing the perfect ambiance for mingling and dining, while earning enthusiastic applause throughout the evening. Guests raved about how his music elevated the entire event.
John Martinez is a true professional and gifted artist. He made our holiday party truly memorable.
5 out of 5 stars – Highly recommended!
Hired as: Classical Guitarist, Corporate Entertainment, Guitarist, Singing Guitarist
John Martinez - Guitarist Extrordinaire
Hey Corey this is just amazing I didn't even realize you had posted a review here and it's even better than the one you get put on The Bash you were just the coolest. Thanks a bunch hope to see you again soon happy New Year!
Kyle M.
July 28, 2025John was fantastic
He is an extremely talented musician and we thoroughly enjoyed him. John was very professional to deal with and communicated in a timely fashion leading up to the event. We had people of all ages that were amazed by John’s musical talents. We will definitely use John again when we are in the ABQ area.
Hired as: Classical Guitarist, Corporate Entertainment, Guitarist, One Man Band, Singing Guitarist
Booking information
Price range: $200 to $500
What to expect
Your 1st lesson needs to be 1 hour and then each weekly lesson would be a 1/2 hour. I do have some 1 hour per week students. If you are a beginner then you will need to buy an instruction book called How to Play Guitar Phase 1 by Ernie Ball which you can buy at Music Mart on Carlisle NE or Baum's Music on Eubank NE. It's about $10. If you have young children I would like the parents to be in the room during lessons and with the child during daily practice until the child gets used to the guitar and used to the concept of practice. This might take a couple of months. More advanced students will work on projects which could be songs, guitar solos, guitar technique, scales, arpeggios, etc. Classical guitar students will work a lot on technique exercises, short studies, warm up exercises and actual music pieces. I also play lots of other music from Rock to Blues to Jazz to Country to Spanish so whatever you taste or ability I am sure that I can make you a better player.
PROMO: If you stay with lessons for 3 months I will give you one 1/2 hour lesson free.
About
Degreed Classical Guitarist, Contemporary Acoustic Guitarist Vocalist, University of New Mexico Classical Guitar Performance Graduate 1986, Guitar Institute of Technology(GIT) Graduate 1987 Performances include the Tennessee Inaugural Ball in 1998 for Bill Clinton's second inauguration plus TV, radio, studio, night clubs, hotels, private parties, weddings & receptions, arts & crafts fairs, art gallery openings, corporate functions, etc, etc. My solo guitar and vocal performance includes contemporary acoustic guitar, core classical guitar from Renaissance & Baroque to Spanish romantic, to Jazz & Jazz Fusion, Flamenco Style, Contemporary Country, Romantic Spanish plus Originals plus Excellent Vocals. I am kind of like a band in a box as I play thru 2 gadgets called Guitar Loopers that allow me to lay down a live rhythm track so I can take my guitar solo over it Plus I sing through this amazing Voice Harmonizer so when I do a Simon & Garfunkel tune or a Beatles tune or an Eagles tune, etc. oftentimes you will hear multiple guitars and/or multiple voices. It's super cool!
Past booked events
April 2026
24
Friday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Rio Rancho, NM
September 2025
30
Tuesday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Albuquerque, NM
July 2025
11
Friday
Corporate Event
8:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Bernalillo, NM
February 2025
15
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Santa Fe, NM
May 2024
08
Wednesday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Santa Fe, NM
October 2023
22
Sunday
Cocktail Party
5:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Santa Fe, NM
September 2023
23
Saturday
Cultural Event
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Santa Fe, NM
April 2023
22
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Santa Fe, NM
20
Thursday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Santa Fe, NM
August 2019
31
Saturday
Wedding Reception
4:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Albuquerque, NM
Set list
Fields of Gold | Sting
Neon Moon | Brookes & Dunn
Sweet Home Alabama | Lynyrd Skynyrd
Shady Grove | Traditional Bluegrass
Star of the County Down | Traditional Irish
Carolina On My Mind | James Taylor
If You Could Read My Mind | Gordon Lightfoot
La Bamba | Richie Valens
Get Together | The Youngbloods
Sailing | Christopher Cross
The Dance | Garth Brookes
I Choose You | Sara Barielles
It Doesn't Matter | Firefall
Ida Y Vuelta | Strunz & Farah
500 Miles High | Chick Corea
Anochecer- Flamenco Style | Strunz & Farah
Arlington | Wailin Jennys
Besa Me Mucho | Spanish Ballad
Blackbird | Beatles
Blue Bossa | Latin Jazz Standard
Bouree | JS Bach
Bubble Shuffle | Larry Carlton Blues Jazz
Can't Find My Way Home | Blind Faith
Can't Help Falling in Love Elvis Presley
Candle in the Wind | Elton John
Capricio Arabe | Spanish Classical
Carnival | Natalie Merchant
Chesnuts Roasting on Open Fire | Jazz Version Christmas
Cinderella | Firefall
Classical Gas | Mason Williams
Danny's Song | Kenny Loggins
Desperado | Eagles
Down By The Water | Decembrists
Central Park | John P. Martinez
Dust in the Wind | Kansas
Eight Days A Week | Beatles
Eleanor Rigby | Beatles
Estudio 1 | Fernando Sor
Estudio 5 | Fernando Sor
Estudio 13 | Fernanado Sor
You May be Right | Billy Joel
Everly Brothers Medley | Everly Brothers
Everything I Do I Do For You | Bryan Adams
Fire & Rain | James Taylor
Fly Me To The Moon | Frank Sinatra
Follow Me | John Denver
From the Beginning | Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Girl | Beatles
Girl From Ipanema | Sergio Mendez
God Bless the Broken Road | Rascall Flatts
Greensleeves 16th Century Version | Renaissance Classical
Helplessly Hoping | Crosby,Stills & Nash
Here Comes the Sun | Beatles
Here, There & Everywhere- Classical Arrangement | Beatles Classical Guitar
Honey Suckle Rose | John Martinez- Funk Blues
Hotel California | Eagles
Imagine John Lennon
I Love You Just the Way You Are | Billy Joel
Is This Love Bob Marley
I Want a Love That Will Last | Renee Olsted- Jazz Blues
I Won't Give Up | Jason Mraz
If Today Was Your Last Day | Nickleback
In My Life | Beatles
Jesu Joy of Mans Desiring | JS Bach
Guantanamera | Spanish Traditional
La Luz del Cielo Original Nuevo Flamenco John Martinez
Lady | Kenny Rogers
Lady Hammonds Alman | Renaissance
Lady Hunsdon's Alman-Renaissance | John Dowland
Margaritaville Jimmy Buffet
Making Memories of Us | Kieth Urban
Malaguena | Spanish Classical
Mary Did You Know | Christmas Ballad
Mexico | James Taylor
Mi Amor Flamenco Style | Armik
Michelle -classical arrangement | Beatles
Moliendo Cafe | Traditional Spanish Reggae
Mood for a Day | Steve Howe-YES
Morning at Molas-Contemporary acoustic | John P. Martinez
Mrs. Robinson | Simon & Garfunkel
Mystic Mile- Blues | Robin Ford
New York New York Frank Sinatra
Norwegian Wood | Beatles
Nowhere Man - Acoustic Arrangement | Beatles
Ohio | Neil Young
On an Island With You | Dan Gilbert-Jazz Fusion
Oye Como Va | Santana
Pachebel's Canon | Johann Pachebel
Paraguean Waltz #3 | Augustin Barrios
Perhaps Love | John Denver
Preludio in Emi | JS Bach
Renee My Love- acoustic finger style | John P. Martinez
Requerdos de la Alhambra | Spanish Classical
Rocky Racoon | Beatles
Romanza | Tradional Classical
Sabor a Mi | Spanish Ballad
Santa Fe Sun - original flamenco | John P. Martinez
Scarborough Fair | Simon & Garfunkel
Six Pieces of the Rennaisance | Classical Suite Good Wedding Music
Somebody That I Used to Know | Gotye
Something | Beatles
Something in the Way She Moves | James Taylor
Southern Cross | CSN
Stairway To Heaven | Led Zepplin
Stormy Monday- Blues | Allman Brothers
Story in Your Eyes | Moody Blues
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes | Crosby,Stills & Nash
Night in White Satin | Moody Blues
Sweet Baby James | James Taylor
Sweet Caroline Neil Diamond
Tears in Heaven | Eric Clapton
Tequila Sunrise | Eagles
The Bonnie Swans | Celtic
The Look of Love | Sergio Mendez- Latin Jazz
The Way You Look Tonight | Frank Sinatra
Thick As A Brick | Jethro Tull
This Masquerade | George Benson- Jazz Ballad
Thunder Rolls | Garth Brookes
Time in a Bottle | Jim Croce
Tribute to Mahavishnu | john Martinez - Open Acoustic
Tuesday Afternoon | Moody Blues
Venuzuelan Waltz #1 | Antonio Lauros
Venzuelan Waltz#4 | Antonio Lauros
We Can Work it Out | Beatles
You and Me | Dave Matthews
While My Guitar Gently Weeps | Beatles
White Christmas | Jazz Chord Melody
Wind of Change | Acoustic Alchemy
Wish You Were Here | Pink Floyd
Wooden Ships | Crosby,Stills & Nash
Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald | Gordon Lightfoot
Yesterday-classical jazz style | Beatles
You Say It Best | Allison Krause Country Ballad
Influences and inspiration
I have playing guitar since I was 1 yrs. old. I the beginning it was all about " Secret Agent Man" which I pretty much played constantly then it was all about the Ventures and surfer music but "Walk Don't Run" and "Penetration" were my tunes and I played them constantly. Eventually I discovered The Beatles then any cool guitar band around from Jethro Tull to the Allman Brothers and even better Al Dimeola, The Mahavishnu Orchestra, The Dixie Dregs, Chick Corea and every intense guitar music I could find. I didn't start studying Classical Guitar until my mid 20's and finally received my Classical Guitar Performance Degree from University of New Mexico in 1986. I decided to join the 20th century again to study contemporary guitar, mainly Jazz stuff, in Hollywood and graduated from Musician' Institute's Guitar Institute of Technology in 1987 and I have been gigging as a solo and teaching guitar ever since then. Currently, I am Lead Guitarist with a wonderful 5 piece dance band called " Luna Upfront" featuring Pat Reyes on lead vocals plus great keyboards, percussion and bass. I also have a working male/female guitar and vocal duo called Chile Pi featuring Mrs. Sweet Voice Susan McCasland and we recently recorded a new CD. If you need a great band band for your event just let me know or consider Chile Pi.