Toronto, ON — Martin Springett has released a deeply personal digital-only album, Friendship – Remembering Wayne Kozak, a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and collaborator Wayne Kozak. The album brings together a rich collection of material that reflects both their creative partnership and a sense of emotional remembrance, with one of Kozak’s own paintings serving as the visual backdrop—perfectly reinforcing the themes of memory, friendship, and artistic legacy.
Described by Springett as a “legacy album,” the project honors not only Kozak’s musical contributions but also the wider community of artists who helped bring the recordings to life. Contributors include Kevin Laliberte and Norm Macpherson, who provided production across the album, while Thomas Kinzel adds piano to “Sliver Of Silver” and “Rain On The Rooftops,” and Morry Stearns contributes electric piano on “Strange Kingdom.” The album also features bassists Drew Birston, Peter Dowse, and Sean Drabitt, along with vocal performances by Denise Withnell on “For A Moment” and Howie Vickberg on “The Only Son.”
Further deepening its reflective tone, the late Robbie King appears through an arrangement of a poem by Rudyard Kipling. Springett has expressed both pride and gratitude for the project, noting that an alternate subtitle—The Art of the Solo—captures the album’s intimate and contemplative nature, as well as its role in preserving Kozak’s enduring artistic spirit. A wide range of contributors appear across the album’s tracks, including Kevin Laliberte and Norm Macpherson, who provided production work throughout the project. Thomas Kinzel delivers piano on “Sliver Of Silver” and On The Rooftops,” while Morry Stearns adds shimmering electric piano on “Strange Kingdom.”
The album also features three bassists, Drew Birston, Peter Dowse, and Sean Drabitt, alongside vocalist Denise Withnell on “For A Moment” and Howie Vickberg on “The Only Son.” The late Robbie King is also featured for his arrangement of Springett’s setting of a Rudyard Kipling poem.
Track-list
1. The Only Son 09:37
2. Warm Blood 03:18
3. Caves and Cathedrails 03:18
4. Thieves And Poets 02:39
5. Tears at the Matinee 04:37
6. For a Moment 04:52
7. I Dream U 05:33
8. Moon of Madness 06:30
9. Sliver of Silver 04:57
10. Rain on the Rooftops 02:16
11. Tricksters 06:34
12. Strange Kingdom 04:49
13. Friendship (For Wayne) 04:32
About Martin Springett
Martin is a Canadian musician and graphic artist best known as the creative force behind the progressive art rock project The Gardening Club. Renowned for his intricate guitar work and richly layered compositions, Springett blends elements of progressive rock, classical, and ambient music into a distinctive and atmospheric sound. Alongside his musical career, he has built a reputation as a talented illustrator and designer, contributing striking visual artwork that complements his recordings. His dual talents have made him a respected figure in both the music and visual arts
Martin Springett Online
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063298533637
MRR Artist profile Page: https://mrrmusic.com/project/a-gardening-club-project/
Bandcamp: https://thegardeningclub.bandcamp.com/
