Yusuf Islam

Published on: 10 Feb 2005

Martin has been in the studio recently producing a track with Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) called Indian Ocean. It's a song written in the wake of the Tsunami disaster and it will be released next month to raise money for children orphaned by the earthquake. It's the first new song by Yusuf that he has recorded since 1978 and Martin was called on short notice to help out with the project. He put together a small band with Ed Harcourt, Neil Primrose (Travis), Magne-F (A-ha), Jed Lynch and himself and recorded the song at Kensaltown. Strings were added by David Davidson in Nashville and some beatiful voices were added by AR Rahman in India. In less than a week the song was recorded, mixed and sent to George Marino at Sterling in New York for mastering.

"I can't say how happy I am to have been involved in this project. Cat Stevens is one of my real musical heroes and has inspired me since I started making records." says Martin. "After working with Yusuf and learning about his charity work around the world, and getting to know this very calm and inspiring man, I can only say that I was both humbled and honoured. I hope that we get to hear more of his unmistakable voice and his great songs very soon! The disaster chocked us all and I think that we were all thankful for this opportunity to do something for the victims of the disaster. It will be a long road ahead for the people in the region and I hope we can all keep them in mind and continue supporting the charities and NGO's that are in the area doing such amazing work."

Check out www.catstevens.com or www.yusufislam.com for more information on when the song will be released and other news about Yusuf and his work.