Martin Orford is an English keyboard player best known as the keyboardist and founding member of progressive rock bands IQand Jadis, he has also worked with former King Crimson, UK and Asia bassist John Wetton and has released a solo album. Here is his new and last solo album 'The Old Road'! He quits because he considers himself one of the victims of the evil internet. As it is stated in his inlay; No thanks to: "anyone who uploads or downloads other people's music on the internet. You're making it increasingly difficult to make albums like this one!"
With a little help from some old friends such as: John Wetton, Nick D'Virgilio and Dave Meros (Spock's Beard), Steve Thorn, John Mitchell (It Bites/Arena), Gary Chandler (Jadis), David Oberle (Gryphon), David Longdon and Andy Edwards (IQ ), Martin made one of the best progressive rock albums.
Besides keyboard, Martin also takes care of some guitars, flute (just listen to "The Old Road") and lead vocals on several songs. Of course we hear several similarities with his earlier band IQ, but in general this record is a bit heavier. The song "Take it to the Sun" could have been on a Genesis record and of course bands as Yes, Spock's Beard and Marillion are not far away.
With the departure of Martin Orford, the prog rock scene loses one of its best musicians and those who illegally up- and download music from the internet should feel ashamed by that. Music is more than a MP3 file, it is passion, and it is art. You don't steal a Rembrandt either.
If you are into progrock and you like all above mentioned bands, do Martin his last big favour and BUY this album!
