Introduction
Andy Martin is an American jazz trombonist and Los Angeles studio player. Andy has recorded 12 albums as a leader or co-leader highlighted by the widely acclaimed record with the Metropole Orchestra. He is a member of Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band and was the featured soloist with Bill Holman big band for 15 years and is a member of the Pacific Jazz Orchestra led by Chris Walden. Plus he's been in Tom Kubis' big band since its inception. Andy has recorded and toured with many incredible artists like Poncho Sanchez, Arturo Sandoval, Quincy Jones, Michael Buble, John Legend, David Foster, Earth Wind and Fire, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Cold Play, Metallica, Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Hudson, Josh Groban, The Who, to name just a few.. .
Early life
Martin was born in Provo, Utah but grew up in Castro Valley, California until he was 9 years old with his formative years being spent in Long Beach, California.
Career
In addition to being a top jazz soloist, Martin has played in over 350 major motion pictures, including the trombone solo in the opening credits of Monsters, Inc. and played the trombone solos in the movie La La Land and The Secret Life of Pets. He is also the trombone soloist for the character of Connie in the Pixar film Soul. He has played on television shows such as Family Guy, King of the Hill, Dancing with the Stars, and American Dad!. Martin was the lead trombone on American Idol in seasons one through three. He was initiated as an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia in 2018 at the National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is one of the trombonists for the 2024 Illumination film, Despicable Me 4.
Personal life
Martin has five children, three from an early relationship and two from his first marriage to Angela Thielen whom he divorced in 2008. Martin also has a step-daughter with his current wife, Maria Vilchis whom he married on November 8, 2019 in a private courthouse ceremony.
Relationship with the McCurdy family
Author, writer and former actress Jennette McCurdy released her memoir, I'm Glad My Mom Died, in August 2022 where she revealed she learned that Mark McCurdy, her mother Debra's husband whom McCurdy grew up believing was her biological father, was not her biological father as well as not of two of her three older brothers after her mother's death in 2013 from cancer.
McCurdy identifies her biological father in her memoir as being a jazz musician named Andrew, who was later identified as Martin. They have met in person at least once.
Discography
- Leading Off (Resurgent, 1995)
- Andy Martin & Metropole Orchestra (Mons, 1997)
- The Project with Vic Lewis (Drewbone, 2004)
- Trombone Titans with Carl Fontana (Drewbone, 2013)