If a substance is really bubblegum, than it will spread in an obnoxious manner, starting out on the heel of a shoe somewhere in London and winding up on the side of a freezer in Elvis Presley's mansion. Listeners who adore a style of music named bubblegum rock might say it was simply talent the way this Dave Martin's talents spread from British artists that most American oldies fans haven't even heard of to Memphis' sequestered "King of Rock and Roll" himself, among other international hitmakers. That kind of talent is not to be confused with a sticky nuisance, not to mention a variety of instrumentalists with the same name, including rockers, jazzmen and classicists.

The songwriting triumvirate of Arnold, Martin and Morrow -- Chris Arnold, Dave Martin and Geoff Morrow -- established a catalog of songs with titles evoking the state of mind some listeners began seeking actively as rock music began to darken in mood and texture. It's Up to You Petula, All on a Summer's Day and Things I Do for You are typical examples of the trio's concoctions. Can't Smile Without You was a hit for Barry Manilow, but perhaps Martin smiled most when Presley selected This Is the Story and A Little Bit of Green for the Back in Memphis album, the latter title representing one of the few times a songwriter has in fact bragged about royalty payments. As a full-service producer -- his credits include background vocals and photography -- Martin's clients have included Dusty Springfield and Gerry the Pacemakers. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, Rovi