In the realm of music, certain artists have the power to transport us to a different time and place, evoking a sense of nostalgia and joy. Dutch musician and producer Phil Martin is one such artist, driven by his passion for the West Coast music scene and the distinctive sounds of the late 70s. With his latest project, Martin & Garp, he embarks on a quest for sunny optimism, channeling the spirit of iconic acts like Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, and The Eagles.
Phil Martin: A Musician’s Journey
Phil Martin’s musical journey is rooted in his upbringing and the music that shaped him. Growing up, he immersed himself in the soulful and jazz-infused tunes of Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, and The Eagles. These legendary artists became the soundtrack of his formative years, leaving an indelible mark on his musical style and aspirations.
The Perfect Fit: Martin & Garp
Collaboration often leads to remarkable creations, and Phil Martin found the perfect vocal fit in Lo van Gorp, also known as Garp. Hailing from the Netherlands, Lo van Gorp is a renowned backing singer and saxophonist, lending his talents to esteemed artists such as Marco Borsato, Paul Carrack, Roger Hodgson, Chaka Khan, Trijntje Oosterhuis, and Al Jarreau. Together, Phil Martin and Lo van Gorp embarked on a journey to create their own West Coast-flavored pop album.
Yachtrock: Feel-Good Melodies
The sound of Martin & Garp can be best described as “yachtrock,” a genre characterized by its feel-good melodies and radio-friendly tunes. Their music pays homage to the romanticized California of the 70s, capturing the essence of an era that exuded optimism and charm. Within their songs, listeners will find catchy guitar and synth licks, luxurious harmonies, and groovy rhythms. The central theme of their music is the unifying effect it has in the quest for sunny optimism.
Sentimental Fools: The Debut Album
After releasing two captivating singles, “Making Up” and “Told You Straight,” at the end of 2020, Martin & Garp are now ready to unveil their debut album, titled “Sentimental Fools.” Scheduled for release on January 15th, 2021, this highly anticipated album will be available on major digital streaming platforms, as well as in compact disc and vinyl formats. “Sentimental Fools” promises a musical journey that transports listeners to a sun-soaked paradise, resonating with those who long for the carefree spirit of the 70s.
Légère Recordings: A Home for Martin & Garp
Martin & Garp have found a home for their musical endeavors at Légère Recordings, based in Hamburg. This renowned record label boasts a roster of talented Westcoast-inspired artists, including the likes of Young Gun Silverfox, Mama’s Gun, and Joel Sarakula, among others. With their signing to Légère Recordings, Martin & Garp join a community of musicians who share their passion for the West Coast sound, ensuring their music reaches a broader audience.
Credits
The creation of Martin & Garp’s captivating music is a collaborative effort of immensely talented individuals. The credits for their debut album, “Sentimental Fools,” include:
- Lo van Gorp (vocals)
- Phil Martin (drums)
- Edwin in ‘t Veld (guitars)
- Ton van der Kolk (bass)
- Govert van der Kolm (keys)
- Joel Sarakula (keys)
- Maarten Teekens (backing vocals)
- Kees Elsman (mouth harp)
The album was recorded, mixed and produced by Phil Martin with mastering by Edwin in ‘t Veld.