Joe Martin: Into the Luminous

Born to a Kansas City musical family, upright bassist Joe Martin often sees his music career through a familial lens. His third and latest album, Étoilée, was named for his young daughter.

“Étoilée was also my [Parisian-born] wife’s grandmother’s name,” Martin explains. “The word literally means starry or luminous. I have more of a personal, abstract take on it. I felt the connection of my immediate family—my children, but also my family roots, my parents and my grandparents—it all connects in a way.”