Sharing the stage with the likes of Joe Walsh, Rory Gallagher, Ed “Cass” Cassidy, not many degrees of separation from Eric Clapton, Gregg Allman, Silver Bullet Band, The Outlaws, or Delbert McClinton, John Martin is definitely ‘in’ the music. He currently performs with the Traffic Jam Band that Martin describes as a “rock/blues/jam” band. When he and bass guitarist, Evan Sealy, started the group in 1997, they booked gigs and pieced together an ‘All-Star’ list of players. Traffic Jam has seen many musicians come and go, and has picked up Steve Johnson as a guitar player and vocalist, not to mention working relationships with Mark Mulholland, Tony Coccagna, and Darren Wachman, all sharing ties to Charlotte, NC. Appearing at some of the best venues in the Charlotte market like The Saloon at the NC Music Factory, Smokey Joe’s, Puckett’s and the Double Door, Traffic Jam has now been established as “a real band with real direction.” They have received such honors as guest appearances on the Tony D Now Show, a nomination for the Charlotte Music Awards, voted #1 blues band by Foot Hills Spotlight Magazine and listings as #1 on the ReverbNation Charts for Rock in their local area.

What advice would you give to young musicians?

“Giving advice is a very difficult thing, but I would like to say to all the

young musicians that have the inspiration to perform and take it to another

level, to not lose focus but to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground

all the while moving forward to improve upon your art.  Learn from others,

particularly learn from mistakes others make along the way, but always listen

especially to ones that are older and more experienced.  The music Industry

has changed over the last 15 years as it has gotten much more difficult.

Record deals are not readily available nor are they handed out freely

anymore.  But if music is your passion then don't ever give up "just keep on

smiling".”