Artist description Although he is blessed with an abundance of charisma (as these photos attest), Peter Margolies, formerly Professor Martinopolous has led a somewhat reclusive existence. Though he is by no means down and out, his years in the Big Apple may have provided something of a mirror into the lives of those less fortunate than himself. It is the stories of these individuals: a wino, a prostitute, a foster child, an impotent dwarf, a go-go dancer, a dork, and a lovesick maiden, that inhabit many of his songs. His work, which is difficult to categorize, reflects the influence of John Lennon, Bob Dylan and Mozart. The melodies are unforgettable. In all, his songs contain a synergistic blend of tragedy and Tin Pan Alley humor. Although, justifiably of course, he is the key player in most of his songs(he wrote them, after all), he made generous use of the assistance of many talented “students,” including producer Sal Gagliano, and the following singer-songwriters: Devah Fontana, Nicolette Street and Sally Reis. Come listen to Professor Martinopolous, the voice of a (forgotten) generation.

Music Style Folk-Pop with some classical melodies

Musical Influences Beatles, Dylan, Mozart and some Tin Pan Alley lyrics

Similar Artists The Beatles, John Lennon, Bob Dylan

Group Members Peter Margolies (formerly Professor Martinopolous), sometimes Devah Fontana and sometimes Sal Gagliano

Instruments keyboards (of various kinds), percussion, guitar and other sounds

Press Reviews As reviewed in Demouniverse.com: A wino, a prostitute, a foster child, an impotent dwarf, a go-go dancer, a dork, a lovesick maiden — such are the marginal, downtrodden creatures that haunt Martinopoly, the remarkable debut CD by Peter Margolies, a/k/a Professor Martinopolous. Aided and abetted by producer Sal Gagliano, singer-songwriter Devah Fontana and other "students," Margolies has produced a work of uncommon originality and impact. Fusing the lyrical influence of John Lennon and Bob Dylan with the melodic sense of Mozart (seriously) and the American pop tradition of Tin Pan Alley, Martinopoly has the feel of stage play — a strange, tragic production. Margolies' characterizations can be heartbreaking, as in "Monkey In the Middle," as a foster child begs for her life: "Please sir don't kill me I am still a baby/She said, I wanna live to be a lady/It's not like there is anyone that needs me/Foster child it's the state that feeds me/Never had a momma there to lead me/But I want a chance." They can also be ludicrous, as he growls out an unflattering portrait of "Charmgirl Winnie": "Jiggling her boobies she takes center stage/Shimmying her heiney she is all the rage/Thrusting her head back as she climbs up a pole/Promised to her daddy she wouldn't bare her soul." But they are always empathetic and vividly drawn. Margolies' voice takes some getting used to; he twists it into grotesque shapes to give his characters life and the result is both repelling and fascinating. You'll not likely hear another record like Martinopoly in this lifetime. As reviewed in the 9/1/01 issue of Geekamerica.com: Grade: A- at first glance, i wasn't interested in this album. But, once i dropped it in, i'm sure i got that look on my face that says "whoa, this isn't what i was expecting". I'm having a hard time drawing any sort of comparison, which is always a good thing... They Might Be Giants might come to mind in the sense that there's a fine appreciation for folk music underlying here, but not completely styling the album. The variety in the songs really runs the gammut, but there's still a sense of melancholy in all the songs. I just have to insist you go to his site and download a couple of songs, because i know that there's a lot of people who aren't into quirky music like i am. But if you are, this might be for you. Listen to this while: Sitting in the corner of your room making a collage.(bgw)

Location New Orleans, LA - USA

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