International jazz guitarist Martin Taylor performs in Wilton Library's Hot & Cool concert April 6

Renowned jazz guitarist Martin Taylor performs at Wilton Library’s Hot & Cool: Jazz at the Brubeck Room concert on Sunday, April 6, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.  An internationally-heralded solo artist, his particular fingerstyle guitar playing is unique and creates a full experience for the audience.  He is completely self-taught beginning at the early age of 4, and has developed the style that is greatly admired and often emulated by guitarists all over the world.   Taylor has enjoyed a remarkable musical career spanning five decades, with more than 100 recordings to his credit.

In addition to his solo concerts and recordings, he has also collaborated with musicians from many different musical genres, including Jeff Beck, Tommy Emmanuel, Bill Wyman, Chet Atkins, Stephane Grappelli, David Grisman, George Harrison, Jamie Cullum, Bryn Terfel, Dianne Schuur and Gary Burton.  Jeff Beck commented, “He out-shred’s all of us put together….I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Taylor has received numerous awards and honorary doctorates including being appointed MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) “For Services to Jazz Music” on The Queen’s Birthday Honours List, which he received personally from Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. He is perhaps best known for his Martin Taylor Guitar Academy, which was launched in 2010.  This online guitar school propelled Taylor into becoming one of the world’s most recognized and beloved online guitar teachers. This innovative online learning program has been featured on NPR, BBC, Fox News and in the Los Angeles Times, and today has students in over 60 countries.   He also was invited to perform a special private concert at Windsor Castle for Prince William on the eve of his engagement to Kate Middleton.

The Hot & Cool Concerts are made possible by a grant from the William and Karen Tell Foundation with special thanks to Ed and Catherine Romer and Chris and Tish Brubeck. An informal reception follows the concert.  There is a suggested donation for the evening of $10 per person.  Advance registration is highly recommended as this series most often “sells out.”  Pre-registrants should arrive by 3:50 p.m. to be guaranteed seating; wait-listed and walk-in registrants will be admitted after 3:50 if seating is available.  Accommodations for Martin Taylor are being provided by Hilton Garden Inn, Norwalk. Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center.  For information, registration and directions, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org and click on Events or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213.