Critics have dubbed Martin Best a "contemporary troubadour" for his energetic performances of minstrel music from the Middle Ages. Best has made over two dozen recordings as a solo singer, often accompanying himself on early guitars and lutes. His recordings include solo songs (notably of the Swedish poet/songwriter Carl Michael Bellman) and ensemble work with his own groups the Martin Best Medieval Ensemble and the Martin Best Consort. He has also performed and recorded music from Shakespeare's England and was a musician at the Royal Shakespeare Company for over 20 years. In 1983, he won the International Edison Award and Gramophone Magazine's Critics' Award. Best has lectured on medieval music at numerous universities in England and the United States.