Eric Martin - Sucker for a Pretty Face (CD) - CD

Details: Digitally remastered and expanded edition including five bonus tracks. Although the name Eric Martin is synonymous with the platinum selling hard band rock band Mr. Big, there was a time when he was just another struggling singer, one of many trying to get a shot at the big time. Eric's calling card was, and still is, a one in a million voice; a golden rasp blessed with a silky smooth delivery that would eventually establish him as a contender for serious chart action. The Eric Martin Band were initially formed in 1980, under the name of 415 and subsequently signed a record deal with Elektra records, who forced the name change to the Eric Martin Band. Securing heavyweight management, who also handled Journey, the band cut what is now regarded as one the period's best melodic AOR records. Produced by Kevin Elson (Journey) and Rodney Mills (.38 Special) the album contains a superb selection of fuel injected songs, including 'Ten Feet Tall', the Frankie Miller penned 'Don't Stop' and the anthemic title track itself. Sadly, due exclusively to internal record company politics, the project hit delays when they were sent back into the studio to cut more tracks at the behest of ever changing A&R staff. Critically, on the album's release in 1983, Elektra engaged in a huge cost cutting exercise dismissing key staff integral to the band's survival. With nobody to champion the record the band experienced a body blow that was insurmountable, but left behind one of the best albums of the era.