Riley Martin Quartet

Riley Martin is a jazz guitarist originally from San Jose, California, now based in Chicago. His playing blends the swing and soul of the jazz tradition with a contemporary edge, shaped by early influences ranging from classical and bossa nova to funk, hip-hop, and Motown. Though he first picked up the guitar through rock and fusion, his musical path shifted dramatically after joining his high school jazz band—an experience that introduced him to the transformative power of improvisation.

Riley is the great-nephew of Walter “Fats” Pichon, the legendary New Orleans pianist and bandleader, whose legacy instilled in him a deep connection to the history and spirit of Black American music.

After earning his degree from Roosevelt University, where he studied under jazz guitar great Henry Johnson, Riley has continued to explore the lineage of players like Wes Montgomery and George Benson while carving out his own distinct voice. His mission…