Extraordinary writer John Martel is back with a must-read memoir—the capstone to his astonishing career.
—John Lescroart, New York Times best-selling author
As an attorney, I stand in awe of John Martel’s legendary accomplishments in the courtroom, and as the author of a legal thriller, I appreciate his commitment to the craft. It’s no surprise that his memoir is a page-turner, powered by the intense energy and unstoppable drive he has brought to every aspect of his remarkable life.
—Brian Cuban, attorney, author of The Addicted Lawyer, Tales of the Bar, Booze, Blow & Redemption and The Ambulance Chaser, and addiction recovery advocate
John Martel was one of the most famous lawyers in the US, named among the Top Ten Trial Lawyers in America by the prestigious National Law Journal. He was concurrently a successful singer-songwriter who performed his original songs as Joe Silverhound in famous venues like The Troubadour in Los Angeles and the Palomino Club in North Hollywood. In his spare time, he helped build a nationally recognized law firm of over 140 lawyers that bears his name. He then became a national best-selling author of five legal thrillers and in his senior years, won the gold medal in the 100 meter high hurdles at the 1997 Masters Track and Field National Championships, running the fastest time in the world for his age group that year. Martel lives in California with his wife, Bonnie.
An intriguing first novel by a nationally known trial attorney. Martel provides an engrossing look at the inner workings of a legal firm preparing a case … Library Journal
A mix of legal action, government secrets, high-stakes dealings, and streetwise romance … Booklist
The powerful prison sequences have the ring of authenticity, as do the courtroom and office scenes, attesting to Martel's professional expertise … Publishers Weekly
A standout from start to finish. Martel delivers a masterly story of murder, madness, and the law … Library Journal
From its first absorbing lines to its well-wrought climax, The American Lawyer is a true original in the realm of courtroom drama—smart, scary, flavorfully written, and laced with international intrigue and memorable characters … Richard North Patterson
Before John settled into writing novels as his vocation, he was a professional musician--a singer/songwriter–fronting his own band under the name Joe Silverhound.
He performed under a pseudonym because he was contemporaneously engaged as lead trial counsel in some of the biggest lawsuits in the country and was concerned that clients or jurors might not take kindly to his alternate lifestyle.
The stress of performing in two high-pressure arenas was ultimately resolved in 1988 when he merged his skills into the art of writing and published his first critically acclaimed bestseller.
COUNTRY HOUND
Growing up in rural Modesto, CA, a resort destination for Steinbeck's Dustbowl Okies,
young John snuck into bars and ballrooms to listen to his favorite country music artists. As he grew older, his country music tastes changed faster than a dog chasing a meat wagon—from "Nashville Country" (e.g. Lefty Frizzell and George Jones) to "Austin Country" (e.g. Willy Nelsen and Waylin Jennings), to "L.A. Country" (The Eagles and Jackson Brown).
The songs in this CD present a broad range of musical short stories, some humorous and upbeat (Blue Moody Lady, Careful, Quick, and Kind) others more melancholy—songs about a family trapped in a triangle of despair (Old Friends) a physically and emotionally shattered W.W. I soldier (Corporal Steve), about being alone (Stoned and Alone, Handwriting On the Wall), adultery and murder (I Should Have Taken My Time), and the inevitable black train (The Devil Takes His Time).
These songs represent three decades of musical evolution and all have been performed live to enthusiastic audiences. The tunes selected for the Country Hound CD represent the best of nearly 100 songs composed by John—and his alter ego, Joe Silverhound.
NOW AND THEN
Long before he became a bestselling author, John was inspired by the music of Bob Dylan, Joanie Mitchell, Cat Stevens, The Beatles and others. He bought his first guitar in the early 70's at a pawn shop for $15 and soon began playing at folk houses, restaurants, and even Paris bistros for meals and drinks—Fire and Rain was always good for a double shot.
He put his first band together in 1973 and began writing his own songs and performing them in Bay Area clubs, then in L.A., gigging at major venues such as The Troubadour and The Palomino Club.
As a trial lawyer, poet, and future novelist, it's no surprise that his songs have always been lyrically powerful. Survivor won an American Songwriters Award and other tunes on this CD run the gamut rom heart-wrenching love songs (It Really Kills Me) to satirical cultural renderings (Tiffany Jungle and Forget Me Not.) For songs that combine heart-break with trains, drugs, and adultery, try John's Country Hound CD.
Live at the Palomino Club,
North Hollywood, CA, 1975