Influenced as a child by singers she heard on radio and records, Martell decided upon a career in music. She has been quoted as saying that these singers included Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson. Later, however, as her musical studies progressed, she began working in a contemporary pop mode, absorbing the styles of Anita Baker, Patti LaBelle, James Taylor and others. During the 90s she lived and worked in New York City, playing nightclubs and other venues. She also enjoyed a successful visit to Denmark, appearing at the Copenhagen Blues Festival in 2002.
Concurrent with Martell’s development as a singer has been her work as a songwriter. Just as her influences were eclectic, so too is her songwriting style. She has written for the theatre, radio, film and television. In addition to her albums she released a popular 2003 single, ‘Too Young For The Blues’, and ‘It’s Alright With Me’, a duet with Kevin Mahogany on his 2004 recording Big Band.
