Melodic Revolution Records is thrilled to announce the return of Martin Springett & Company, aka The Gardening Club, with a brand-new, previously unreleased eight-minute track, “Gnarly Hearts (A Survivor’s Song).”
Yes, it’s true, The Gardening Club had already returned this year with the release of their brand-new album, “The Insubstantial Pageant,” released June 12, 2026. But Martin Springett had one more musical story to tell.
And this one is deeply personal.
Purchase and Stream “Gnarly Hearts (A Survivor’s Song)” via the Bandcamp player below:
A Song About Survival, Friendship & Music
According to Martin Springett:
“When I released the original Gardening Club LP in 1983, John Sheard, a brilliant keyboard player and composer, played throughout the album. He added something very special, as did drummer Penner Mackay.
Going even further back, bassist Dr. Rob Burns and I, who taught at Otago University, New Zealand, rock music and bass performance, were in a band in Germany called Gateway Driver in 1973. We both survived.”
Rob Burns went on to have a remarkable career, working with David Gilmour, Pete Townshend, and serving as music director for Eric Burdon, among many other accomplishments. He is also the author of several acclaimed books exploring Progressive Rock and the unique British crossover between Folk and Rock that produced legendary bands such as Pentangle and Fairport Convention.
John Sheard has been equally influential. Based in Toronto, Sheard worked for many years with Stuart McLean on the CBC radio program The Vinyl Cafe from 1997 through 2016. His extensive recording career includes appearances with artists such as Rita MacNeil, Olivia Newton-John, Ian and Sylvia, Dan Hill, Rita Coolidge, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Celine Dion, and countless others.
To say John Sheard has been a mainstay of the Toronto music scene for the past 50 years is, as Martin puts it, “putting it very mildly.”
“I am beyond thrilled to have both these wonderful players on my wee tune,” Martin says. “Thanks gents!”
A Song From the Heart
“Gnarly Hearts (A Survivor’s Song)” grew out of Martin‘s own experience following heart surgery.
“The song came out of my heart operation,” Martin explains. “I was glad to have survived! I am now in the midst of another challenge, and wanted to bring the song forward as I always liked it, but there wasn’t quite a place for it within the first GC CD, The Riddle.”
Now, more than three decades later, the song finally gets its moment.
Kevin Laliberte once again brought his production talents, bass playing, slide guitar, sounds, and arrangement ideas to the project, taking the song in new directions while retaining the heart of Martin‘s original composition.
“So here we are,” Martin says. “I hope you enjoy it!”
Credits:
Martin Springett / Vocals, Solo Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Kevin Laliberte / Producer, Bass, Slide Guitar
John Sheard / Keyboards
Dr. Rob Burns / Bass
Words: Martin Springett
Music: Martin Springett & Kevin Laliberte
Produced by: Kevin Laliberte