Irving Martin

Martin produced Johnny Devlin's cover of the Righteous Brothers' song "Hung on You". It was released on CBS 202085. It was reviewed by Disc and Music Echo in the quick spins section of the June 18, 1966 issue.[4][5] Also that year, Lord Sutch's single, "The Cheat" bw " Black and Hairy" was released on CBS 202080. Martin produced the single and accompaniment was by Des Champ.[6]

Music reporter David Wigg had asked Chris Andrews to write a song for him. With Martin producing and Des Champ handling the arrangements the CBS single, "Life is Complicated" bw "Turning Round" which was released in July, 1966 could have been a winner. With the lack of airplay and sales, the single didn't go anywhere. Wigg carried on interviewing musical celebrities.[7][8]

Martin produced the single "Come Back, Baby Come Back" bw "Since My Baby Said Goodbye" which was recorded by Romeo Z. It was released on CBS 202645 in 1967.[9][10] It was listed in the CB New Hit Singles selection in the April 1 issue of Melody Maker.[11] It got a brief review in the Shop Window section of the April 8, 1967 issue of New Musical Express. The raw vibrant excitement, Latin and R&B influences, congas and brass were noted.[12]

Martin produced the first single for West Midlands group, The Californians. The single was "Golden Apples" bw "Little Ship with a Red Sail", which was released in 1967. He added a lot of orchestration and echo to produce a Spector type of Wall of Sound effect.[13] Later he produced their single, "Follow Me" bw What Love Can Do" which was released later that year.[14]

Also in the late 1960s, Irving Martin was sending out demos to musicians for them to think about doing. John O'Hara of the Wolverton band, The Californians recalled that one of the demos that was sent to them in a brown paper bag was "Let's Go to San Francisco". Ohara rung Martin and was told that the group who did the demo, The Flower Pot Men were releasing it as a single. Ohara would later wonder what would have happened if they themselves had released it.[15]

Producing singles for artists, his productions were released on more than 45 singles on the CBS label in the UK between 1965 and 1969.[16]

In the week ending, August 25, 1973, Guy Darrell's record I've Been Hurt" which he produced had entered the British chart at no. 41.[17] It would eventually peak at no. 12.[18][19]

On the week of December 18, 1976, the London Philharmonic Choir's album, Sounds of Glory which he produced had been in the Music Week Top Albums chart for six weeks. It had moved down from no. 21 to no. 23.[20] The following week it was at no. 20.[21]

Martin co-wrote the song "Dance the Night Away" that was recorded by Sheer Elegance. Backed with "Don't Wanna Miss My Bus", it was released on Pye 7N 25734 in early 1977.[22][23] It did get airplay with spins on Piccadilly Radio. It was also one of the five top add-ons on Radio City for the week of January 8.[24] On the week of February 5, along with "Saturday Nite" by Earth, Wind & Fire, "Soul Cha Cha" by Van McCoy, "Baby I Know" by The Rubettes and a few others etc., Music Week recorded it as a Star Breaker.[25] Two weeks later on the week of February 19, Record Mirror also recorded it as a Star Breaker.[26]

He produced the four-record set, The Messiah by The London Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir that was released on Birdwing BWR-2011 in late 1979. The album featured four soloists. The reviewer called the work awesome and made note of the Christian story being delivered in a new and vibrant way. The executive producer was Billy Ray Hearn. It received the Gospel Music Association's highest award The Dove for outstanding achievement [27]

Martin and Brian Dee contributed the song "Funko" to the TV series The Sweeney[28][29] which ran from 1975 to 1978.[30]

In 1978, Bruton Music released the Heavy Rock album. Side one had thirteen tracks by Mika Antony and Tom Parker, and Side two had ten tracks by Irving Martin and Brian Dee, and one by Norman Warren.[31]

Martin composed theme music for the late 1970s televesion series, Return of the Saint.[32] Working with Brian Dee the jazz pianist, a theme for the title sequence was created. The prominent saxophone and synthesizer parts worked in with the animation parts.[33]

Working with Billy Ray Hearn on The Messiah album, released on the Christian Sparrow label in 1979 earnt a Dove award.[34]

Martin produced the 1980 John Michael Talbot gospel album The Painter. Talbot was joined by his brother, Terry Talbot, and backed by the London Chamber Orchestra. It was given a positive review by Cash Box in the May 24 issue with the reviewer saying, Super package and super cuts make this a great album.[35]