Martin Briley
New York City, New York, United States | MAJOR
Music
Press
"The only way to describe this lean Englishman with the piercing eyes and perpetual ironic smirk is to dub him the Frederic Wiseman of rock. Just as the famous documentary filmmaker trains his camera on a subject and watches life play itself out, so does Martin Briley take a close look a the human condition and show it as it is, warts and all”
- The Record
“Briley's songs are marked by a strange combination of lyrical cynicism, humor and vulnerability, while his instrumental structurings are complex, melodic and fascinating”
- The Daily Oklahoman
“If there's a better example of consistent phrasemaking on either side of the Atlantic, I've yet to hear it. Martin Briley's lyric turns, on virtually every song of the 10 included herein, would be fun to read if the songs they were connected to weren't just as much fun to listen to.”
- Detroit Monitor
“Martin Briley's talents, as displayed in his debut Mercury solo album, “Fear of the Unknown” bring to mind that classic line from a science-fiction B-movies: “Think of all that power used for evil- Good Lord, the consequences!” He is a generously gifted songwriter but almost frighteningly misanthropic. The album is a marvel, but you may not want to hear it very often if you're the kind of person who pays close attention to lyrics.”
- Stereo Review
“You wanted my reaction to the record, (Put Your Hands on the Screen). I like the words: I think they are very good. However, I do not care for the music, but I am sure many young people will like it and I am reaching many, many young people. In fact, one newspaper columnist said “Ernest Angley is the only minister that is reaching the young people today.” I thought that was a great tribute to this ministry.”
- Reverend Ernest Angley
- Reviews
Discography
1981 Fear of the Unknown Mercury
1983 One Night with a Stranger Mercury
1985 Dangerous Moments Mercury
2006 It Comes in Waves MTM Music
Photos
Bio
"The only way to describe this lean Englishman with the piercing eyes and perpetual ironic smirk is to dub him the Frederic Wiseman of rock. Just as the famous documentary filmmaker trains his camera on a subject and watches life play itself out, so does Martin Briley take a close look a the human condition and show it as it is, warts and all
- The Record
Born in London, England, Martin began playing and writing music when he was ten. When he was seventeen and still at Art school, with his band Mandrake he signed his first record deal with Parlophone/EMI, and subsequently had the honor of recording at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. He was later signed to George Martins AIR group of companies and then went on to become an important part of the London studio scene as an arranger, vocalist and one of the most sought after session guitarists around. After a brief stint with the British art rock band Greenslade, Martin moved to New York where he immediately found work as a touring and session musician for such artists as Meatloaf, Ellen Foley and Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson. He then signed as a solo artist to Mercury Records winning critical acclaim for his three self-penned albums, though he is probably best known for his top 40 and MTV hit single "Salt in My Tears". Since then Martin has become one of the most prominent writers in America, he has received orchestral commissions, and has written songs for such artists as Celine Dion, *NSYNC, Dream, Michael Bolton, Kenny Loggins, Pat Benatar, Jessica Andrews, 5-Star, Jeff Healey, Rebecca St. James, Nana Mouskouri, Willy Nile, Gregg Allman and Barry Manilow, to name a few.
As an instrumentalist he has recorded and/or performed with Julian Lennon, Bonnie Tyler, Neil Sedaka, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Engelbert Humperdinck, Lulu, Mick Jones, Donna Summer, Dan Huff, Cliff Richards, Charlie Pride, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny Mathis, Michel Legrand, the Hollies, Anton Fig, Chris Squire, Meatloaf, Tom Jones, Albert Hammond, Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson, Andy Williams, G.E.Smith, Jim Steinman, Charles Aznavour and Jimmy Webb.
As a back-up vocalist he can be heard everywhere, from recordings by Celine Dion and Mark Anthony to the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack.
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