Search - Martin Orford, IQ :: Classical Music & Popular Songs

Solo Effort by IQ Keyboardist, File Under 'Excellent'

Jason M. Carzon | bowie, maryland United States | 03/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not too sure about the title of this disc, the only solo album(so far) by keyboardist Martin Orford of long-lasting melodic rockers IQ. Sounds like an educational catagory, or the title of a textbook or beginner's music book. Maybe that's the concept. Muscicians hate to be labeled, so he labeled it himself before someone else did. So it's, well....Classical music and popular songs. There are nice classical-styled instrumentals as well as vocal songs. I understand he hates the term 'Neo-prog'. Can't say I blame him. However, I hope the title of this album doesn't cause potential enjoyers from thinking this is an album of covers or something like that.



But catagories and labels aside, what you'll hear here is some stunning music, beating the pants off some of his other projects' albums(IQ and Jadis). 'Classical Music...' was released almost the same time as IQ's excellent 'Seventh House' album(early 2001) and was kinda ignored. But this album acts as an excellent counterpart to Seventh House. His guests include members of both bands as well as a vocal performance by John Wetton(Asia/King Crimson) who he had also worked with. I believe Orford has become one of my favorite keyboard players. His style is unique, melodic and tasteful. The album takes you through a number of different styles and formats, not just 'classical music' or 'popular songs'. The album is quite varied. I look forward to his next non-IQ or Jadis project. Here's the trax:



FIELD OF FALLEN ANGELS - an IQ-styled opening track with some nice flute and synth textures with a slight Celtic or folk flavor.



A PART OF ME - an anthemic rock track that features strong vocals by John Wetton and soaring guitar leads.



QUILMES - very tasteful piano solo. I'm sure Orford could deliver an all-piano album which would not bore me. His piano style is way more interesting than, say, Rick Wakeman. More!



THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES - Orford also handles vocals on a few tracks, and he doesn't sound too unlike former IQ vocalist Paul Menel. This is the ballad of the album.



FUSION - an instrumental in a more 70's progressive rock vein, with harpsicord and driving guitar.



FINAL SOLUTION - in contrast, this one is more in a 90's progressive rock vein but just don't call it 'neo-prog'.



THE PICNIC - and yeah, he handles guitar too, what a clever cat he is. A short, pleasant Anthony Phillipsesque acoustic ditty.



THE OVERLOAD - a more atmospheric track featuring IQ's Peter Nichols on vocals, so naturally it's a more dark and ethereal affair similar to some of the bits from 'Subterranea'.



TATRAS - the closest thing here to 'classical music', a fine composition complete with piano, flute and orchestral synths.



EVENSONG - another atmospheric instrumental reminding me of early Steve Hackett solo material like 'Defector' and 'Spectral Mornings'. This track leaves you wanting more.



I believe good music is something we digest and get nutrients from. We eat music. Though junk food music is fine, sometimes you just want to savor something delicious. Something good for you. This is one such album. Any fans of IQ or Jadis or progressive rock in general, or even 'neo-prog', should find enough here to enjoy. I hope Martin Orford finds time to create another solo album sometime. Till then, this will endure repeat listenings."

Martin Orford - Surprisingly Good Album From The IQ Keyboard

Steven Sly | Kalamazoo, MI United States | 11/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Orford is probably best known as the long time keyboard player for English progressive rockers IQ. To my knowledge this is his first solo album and I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised with the material to be found here. The title of the album is rather unimaginative, but don't let it fool you, there is some very nice music to be found here. Orford wrote the material and handles all the keyboards. He also plays a bit of acoustic guitar. Most of the tracks have vocals (provided by Orford, John Wetton, and Peter Nichols). All of the members of IQ appear at one point or another on the disc as well. Surprisingly Orford has quite a good voice. It reminds me of former IQ vocalist Paul Menel, in fact I had to check the liner notes while listening to this to double check that Menel did not appear on the album. The music is quite varied with shorter tracks mixed with longer ones. I would think that IQ fans would eat this album up, and fans of progressive rock in general should enjoy this. All in the entire album is a pleasant little surprise from Mr. Orford, and now that he has left IQ I suspect that we will be hearing more solo work from him down the road."