Gypsy jazz virtuoso violinist Daniel John Martin returns to the shores of South Africa from 6 to 20 March 2026. He kicks off his mini tour in the Mother City and wraps it up in the City of Gold. KEANETSE FOTHOANE got in touch to enquire on the release of his upcoming new album, Pardon my French, set to be released early April.
Congratulations on the release of your fifth album – what inspired you to record it?
This record is mainly a collection of pieces written in my 20’s. They were composed in a period when I was more into jazz, rock and fusion. I was inspired by the jazz heroes of the day, amongst which stood Robben Ford, who I would never have dreamt of being able to work with back then. At the time, I was deeply influenced by Robben, particularly his music with The Yellowjackets — as well as with Miles Davis. This was the music I listened to on the road during my very first tours. It formed part of the soundtrack of those formative years.
Please comment on your choice of musicians for the album.
The French musicians featured on this album are artists which I worked extensively with before turning my focus towards acoustic gypsy jazz. They remain among the very finest players in Paris, and reconnecting with them for this project felt both natural and deeply meaningful. The fact that Robben Ford first invited me to play with him (and then agreed to join this project) represents, in itself, a tremendous personal milestone.
It feels almost as though I have been given the rare privilege of holding the hand that once held the hand of Miles Davis. That connection carries a great symbolic weight for me. It means more than I can easily express.
What were the challenges you encountered in the course of recording?
The main challenge was to stay relaxed. Being in studio with one of music history’s greatest guitarists is very intimidating. I was also worried that my string quartet arrangements would not work well. We recorded with the string quartet arrangement in MIDI sequences and added the real quartet afterwards. So I was constantly on the “lookout” for any problems to arise.
What lessons did you learn along the way?
Humility! Robben gave me a real musical masterclass! Time. Relaxation. Kindness!
We had a wonderful time together in the studio. Robben was constantly attentive, always striving to serve the music and to stay true to what I was hearing and hoping for. Despite being part of the Guitar Hall of Fame, Robben Ford remains one of the kindest and most genuine human beings one could ever meet.
Any words of encouragement for musicians recording their debut or subsequent album?
My mother once said to me, “You will probably never become a rich man — but you are going to meet some extraordinary people.” She was right. If ever there were a tough business, this is the one. From the inside, you know whether you truly need to do it. It is something stronger than comfort, stronger than security — almost stronger than reason itself. If you do not feel that essential necessity to play music, then perhaps you should not do it.
Choose a steady nine-to-five job and a secure life. But if that necessity lives in you — if it feels unavoidable — then never stop. Carry on. Work. Do your very best. It will be hard and you cannot say you were not warned.
What platforms is the album available on, and where can hard copies be purchased from?
Pardon my French is available on all major streaming platforms. The physical CD is to be distributed world-wide but you can always contact my producers and the French label Continuo Musique.
See Daniel John Martin live in Cape Town
Grub & Vine Blue Room
Saturday, 07 March 2026, 7:30pm
R200
103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book tickets
Grub & Vine Blue Room
Friday, 13 March 2026, 7:30pm
R200
103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book tickets
Who: Violinist Daniel John Martin
Albums: Papillons, Parisian Impromptu, Double Cream, Urban Gypsy, Pardon my French
Social media: Instagram – @Daniel John Martin, Facebook – Daniel John Martin, YouTube – Daniel John Martin
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