The guitar world has lost one of our most loved and respected guitarists, Ron Moore.
Ron was a fine jazz and classical guitarist. He was a superb teacher too. Hugh Burns, David Russell, Jim Mullen, John Goldie, are just a few of the world class players that studied with Ron.
It's cold and wet outside so I decided to go through some boxes of old photos. Here's a cracker of me and my pal Marcus. We look like two very dodgey secondhand car dealers closing in on a deal!
Mrs T and I have been at our house in France doing nothing in particular for the past week. I love making log fires (Liz says it's the Romany in me) and Mrs T loves roasting herself next to them. Very cozy!
I was born in 1956. My family background is English, Scottish and Romany Gypsy. I started playing the guitar in 1960 after listening to my father's Django Reinhardt records. I've been touring the world as a professional guitarist since 1972. I toured and recorded extensively with French jazz violin legend Stephane Grappelli from 1979 to 1990. I now play over 100 solo concerts a year in 20 or more countries.
When I'm not touring I live at my home in Scotland or at my other house in France. I've been married since 1976. Our elder son James has been my manager for over 10 years. Sadly, our younger son Stewart died in 2005 aged 21. He was a very gifted horseman.
My proudest moment was when my family and I went to Buckingham Palace in 2002 for me to receive the MBE from the Queen for Services to Music.
I am a Friend of Scotland's Buddhist Vihara and a patron of the Buddhist charity "My Wish" which helps children with cancer in Sri Lanka.
I am also a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Musicians, a City of London Livery founded in 1500 that gives financial and professional help to young musicians. www.martintaylor.com
