Dutch musician and producer Phil Martin has always been interested in the West Coast music scene and distinctive sounds from the late 70s era. Artist like Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles all featured heavily in his diet of music when he was growing up. As a producer and songwriter, Phil has historically been more active in Soul & Jazz music. He has produced albums for successful projects such as The Jazzinvaders, Laura Vane & the Vipertones and The Soul Snatchers, all busy touring bands with international radio support.
After working on a project with singer Lo van Gorp (Garp) from the Netherlands, Phil found the perfect vocal fit to his recordings for his own West Coast flavored pop album. Together with other songwriters like Joel Sarakula and Laura Vane he began writing and producing songs. Lo van Gorp is a well known backing singer and saxophonist in Holland, recognized for his work backing many bigger artists like Marco Borsato, Paul Carrack, Roger Hodgson, Chaka Khan, Trijntje Oosterhuis and Al Jarreau, to name a few.
The sound of Martin & Garp can best be described as feel-good, radio friendly melodies romantically looking back to California in the 70s. In amongst the catchy guitar and synth licks and luxurious harmonies, the theme is the unifying effect of music in the quest for sunny optimism. This album spills groovy rhythms like in the first single “Making Up”, together with jazz harmonies and smooth vocals as in the second single “Told You Straight”. Imagine that ‘feel-good record’ that has to be played loudly in your convertible, recorded by super-pro musicians on original analog equipment. Cruising down the coast with the wind in your hair, darting in and out of the shade created by beach-side palm trees: That’s “Sentimental Fools”.
After previously releasing 2 singles (Making Up & Told You Straight) at the end of 2020, It’s now time for the debut album by Martin & Garp. ‘Sentimental Fools’ will officially be released on Légère Recordings from Hamburg on January 15th 2021 and be available on all major digital streaming platforms, compact disc and vinyl. At Légère Recordings Martin & Garp will be in good company with Westcoast label mates and popular artists Young Gun Silverfox, Mama’s Gun and Joel Sarakula a.o.
CREDITS
- Lo van Gorp (vox), Phil Martin (drums), Edwin in ‘t Veld (guitars), Ton van der Kolk (bass), Govert van der Kolm (keys), Joel Sarakula (keys), Maarten Teekens (backing vox) & Kees Elsman (mouth harp).
- Album was recorded, mixed an produced by Phil Martin.
- Mastering by Edwin in ‘t Veld
Het debuut album van Martin & Garp ‘Sentimental Fools’ is vanaf nu te koop bij Socialbeats.com. Zolang de voorraad strekt 😉
