Martin Orford (born 10 June 1959, Bitterne, Southampton) is an English people, English keyboardist, keyboard player best known as the founder of progressive rock bands IQ (band), IQ and Jadis (band), Jadis. He also worked with former King Crimson, U.K. (band), U.K. and Asia (band), Asia bassist John Wetton, and has released two solo albums, ''Classical Music and Popular Songs'' (2000) and ''The Old Road'' (2008). Orford appeared on two Big Big Train albums, ''Goodbye to the Age of Steam'' and ''English Boy Wonders''.
Orford won the "Best Keyboard Player" category at the Classic Rock Society, Best of the Year Classic Rock Society Award in 2004.
Orford's most recent solo album, ''The Old Road'' (GEPCD1037), was released in October 2008. The album features guest appearances from John Wetton, Nick D'Virgilio and Dave Meros (Spock's Beard), Steve Thorne, John Mitchell (Arena/Frost*/It Bites), Gary Chandler (Jadis), Dave Oberle (Gryphon), David Longdon (Big Big Train) and Andy Edwards (IQ/Frost*).
Orford announced his retirement from the music industry in October 2008. However, at MelloFest 2009, he performed tracks from ''The Old Road'' as well as some IQ numbers.
References
External links
IQ official websiteGiant Electric Pea
{{DEFAULTSORT:Orford, Martin
1959 births
Living people
English keyboardists
Musicians from Southampton
IQ (band) members