Jazz Articles about Martin Belmont

About Martin Belmont

Album Review

It only stands to reason Graham Parker would want to document the live performance that comprises 5 Old Souls. Cloud Symbols (100% Records, 2018) was an utterly remarkable return to form. With uncanny accuracy but not one iota of self-consciousness, the curmudgeonly Brit hearkened directly to that earthy one-two punch by which he first gained attention via Howlin' Wind (Mercury, 1976) and Heat Treatment (Mercury, 1976). For all its superficial similarities, however, this live music may not radiate ...

Album Review

Graham Parker: The Up Escalator - 40th Anniversary Edition

Read "The Up Escalator - 40th Anniversary Edition" reviewed by Doug Collette

by Doug Collette
August 16, 2020

It might well be an exercise in futility to find a more potent transitional album than Graham Parker's The Up Escalator. At least that's what The 40th Anniversary Edition suggests, and in no uncertain terms. Why else open the album with a track of deserved braggadocio titled “No Holding Back" or close it with that sentiment brought to life on the crackling live takes of the record's two most unforgiving numbers, “Empty Live" and “Stupefaction," included as bonus material?