John Martyn was a masterful performer and songwriter with unique voice and arrangements. The title track Solid Air is a must, and I think will be much more to your taste, with smooth arrangement of double bass, sax, etc, and that wonderful smooth voice. He was part of that folk-rock-jazz milieu of Pentangle and Fairport Convention, and this album features members from both bands. Funny you should mention Nick Drake, as he was a close friend and the title track was written as a tribute to him. May You Never, by the way, was also covered by Eric Clapton a few years later.

I never really appreciated how great a guitarist John was until I saw him live. He was really one of the greats. RIP John.

@richardthresh3587

3 жыл бұрын

I saw John Martyn playing live at the UEA students' bar in about 1981 ... a revelation, especially as when I spoke to him afterwards he was clearly very drunk and/or had been consuming 'substances' ... !

@LukeMaynard

Жыл бұрын

John Martyn's very much unlike someone like, say, James Taylor-but both of them, I find, do something on guitar that sounds really simple but takes an enormous amount of skill to do consistently and with the right touch. Of all the songs I've learned to play solo, this little gem was one of the easiest to strum the chords to, but one of the hardest to nail acoustically with the right rhythm and groove, especially with no other instruments to hide behind.

Uh oh, British folk, another rabbit hole to get lost. I think I have one that will turn your head - 1952 Vincent Black Lighting by Richard Thompson. He's a legend and a great storyteller. A founding member of Fairport Convention. This song is a real stand out, I promise! 1952 is not when the song came out, it's the year the motorcycle was made.

@tomfabozzi5353

3 жыл бұрын

I second that. Richard Thompson is a rabbit hole worth going down, as are John Martyn and Nick Drake

@bid84

2 жыл бұрын

Another recommendation for Richard Thompson

Please don't dismiss John Martyn as 'Okay' without delving deeper. He was one of the most inventive and experimental musicians of the 70s and 80s starting out as a pure folk artist and then developing into electronic jazz and funk styles. He worked with an eclectic mix of musicians including members of The Band (Bob Dylans backing band) and Phil Collins, his songs were covered by people as diverse as Eric Clapton and America. My record collection is dominated by music from 3 artists - Yes, Joni Mitchell and John Martyn. Please take the time to explore more of his music. The title track of Solid Air is a good place to start. I love his 'Bless the Weather' album and strongly recommend 'Glorious Fool' produced by and featuring Phil Collins especially the opening track "Couldn't Love You More". Truly a great musician.

Wow Justin not only listening to the great John Martyn, but also one of my favourite songs of all time thanks. His voice is also a beautiful instrument in its own right. He does have many more complex songs in his repertoire and well worth digging more into his catalogue

Funny you should mention Nick Drake, as he and John Martyn were friends. The title track of the album this song appears on, "Solid Air," is dedicated to him.

Solid Air is an amazing album. He is so laid back. My favourite song is "The Man In The Station" but the whole album is full of great songs.

Somehow missed this review. John was a friend of Eric Clapton's and introduced Phil Collins to him. Collins spoke highly of Martyn's songwriting expertise. 'Solid Air' is amazing. The three of them lived near each other in the late '70s, becoming drinking buddies as Phil and John struggled through painful divorces. Who wouldn't want to be a fly on that pub's wall? Entertaining to say the least!

I saw John Martyn support Genesis and Peter Gabriel at the "Six Of The Best" gig in Milton Keynes in 1982. It was a horribly wet day (late October in UK, what a time for an outdoor gig), but the rain ceased and the sun came out briefly as Martyn performed. He really raised my wet spirits!

@direnova6284

3 жыл бұрын

I missed that show because my best mate was getting married that day and the weather WAS awful lol.

the whole album is amazing!

I loved this guy ,he was such a down to earth guy, when I worked with a PA hire company that supplied the sound system for him. I got paid and had the pleasure of watching and listening to him

Mixed emotions here Justin. I was so happy you decided to give John Martyn a try, I’ve been mentioning him in comments numerous times, but let down you didn’t latch onto where the magic is. Suggest you try the title track before dismissing him completely, but hey, we can’t all like the same thing.

@philipmansfield7984

3 жыл бұрын

A very good point definitely the title track as much as I love this song.

In 1982 I went to see Genesis reunion with Peter Gabriel at Milton Keynes bowl in the uk two of the supporting artists were Talk Talk, and John Martyn, don’t know whether he played this song or not, but it was a great show, although it did rain most of the day, we left before the encore to miss the rush, pity because we missed Steve Hackett.

@lemming9984

3 жыл бұрын

You were wise. it was HELL getting out of that place, but Hackett made it worth while for me!

@merlinscat

3 жыл бұрын

@@lemming9984 I was gutted I had no idea How Hackett was going to come on

I saw John about three times each time he was brilliant.

@gillesserrigny6324

10 ай бұрын

I've seen him sevetal time. He was great and fun. But once, he was so drunk that he was unable to make the show. It was pitiful. I know this happened to him few times. Alcohol was his big problem. With the others substances, no problem for a gig.

I'm so very glad you got to hear him. Solid Air, of course, Johnny Two Bad, his version of Cry Me A River, anything really. He bared his soul in songs. He invented the Echoplex, something guitarists still use. And if you ask any guitarist who knows his stuff, he'll list John Martyn as one of the best acoustic guitarists ever. English folk music is obviously huge, since it's been going for a few hundred years. Try more John Martyn, Richard Thompson, Pentangle, Fairport Convention, Seth Lakeman, Martin Carthy (who taught the traditional song Strawberry Fair to Paul Simon) and the Watersons, Eliza Carthy - that should be a great start! Scotland and Ireland have their own distinct styles of folk music. Folk music was a big influence on Genesis, Yes and Led Zeppelin, to name a few bands you might already know!

@MrDiddyDee

Жыл бұрын

Sorry Lynne, John Martyn didn't invent the Echoplex, it was invented by Mike Battle in 1959. It was already a pretty standard effect unit by the time Martin started to experiment with one, he was however one of the artists who used this classic echo effect in a unique way, to create rhythmic patterns to improvise and build upon. He unquestionably had his own techniques but was not the first, or indeed last, to use one. A contemporary artist who owes a lot to Martin's legacy who also uses delay effect techniques (although they are electronic ones) to build songs and expansive soundscapes would be The Edge from U2. As early as the late 1960's the primitive tape loops of the original Echoplex began to give way to electronic versions that simulate the same kinds of effect, and the tape machine versions stopped being produced in the early 1990's.

Solid Air is one of those remarkable ear-worm albums (like Astral Weeks) that should be in *every* collection.

@lemming9984

3 жыл бұрын

I first saw Martyn on the OGWT performing songs from this album. I was amazed at the sounds he was getting from an acoustic guitar plugged in to various effects boxes. Just a few years later I saw him at the Birmingham Odeon which destroyed the myth/image of "the great John Martyn". He was pissed out of his head. Terrible performance. I never saw him again!

@lemming9984

3 жыл бұрын

@@Katehowe3010 His performance at the Genesis Six Of The Best gig was wonderful, enough for me to forget that I was soaked to the skin after torrential rain all day!

I only know of John Martyn because Phil Collins produced and played drums on his album Grace & Danger (and I love that album). This is a great one as well and I really love his guitar playing.

@43cbgb

3 жыл бұрын

Grace and Danger is a seminal album

I think of John Martyn in the same way I think of Van Morrison, as a genuine artist doing his own thing no matter what. And doing it beautifully. This album is a real gem, and if you listen to more of it you will see what an important role this particular song plays on the album. Your image of the way his voice weaves through his guitar playing is wonderfully apt, given the title of the album. It's also got one of the loveliest album covers of all time as well.

Justin, Eric Clapton did a good cover of this song on his 1977 album Slowhand. Speaking of covers sometime you should check out J.J. Cale, whose songs are covered a lot(Clapton, Skynyrd and even KANSAS), a great songwriter. Cocaine from Slowhand was written by Cale. And eventually you'll discover Richard Thompson, possibly the best singer, songwriter and guitarist that many people don't know about. He's been around since the '60s(Fairport Convention) and continues to put out excellent albums and is great on tour. You would like everything about him.

I was born in 1954. I was there in the 70s, but you keep giving me stuff that makes me wonder if I was actually asleep part of the time (and no I did not do drugs) ;-)

@craigireland5629

3 жыл бұрын

Lol. I was also born in '54 and regard myself as having been incredibly fortunate to follow music from the early 60s all the way through til now. If anyone ever says to me "So what kind of music are you in to?" they will probably regret asking ha!

A massive, wonderful Folk-World to discover...

You are listening to some outstanding albums and artists recently JP, XTC, The Kinks & John Martyn in particular, all acquired tastes but will be a companion to you for the rest of your life once you've allowed them into your soul.

@JustJP

3 жыл бұрын

Ty! Glad youve been enjoying the recent videos!

Immaculate playing (and apart from that much harder than it sounds). John Martyn's music is full of emotion and depth. This is usually the easy entry track (also covered by Eric Clapton). If it didn't appeal to you, you are missing out on some absolutely stunning music blending folk and jazz like no other. It's not all acoustic guitar only...

Holy sheep shabooty!!! This was a surprise! Good on ya! May you have a Peace-full weekend!

Now you're talking......John Martyn! I have every record of him.......a little low point is a few records in the middle of the 80.......but who did good music in the eighties? A good musician change over the years as he always did......exploring new ways of making music always with John Martyn touch.

It was always an absolute pleasure to see JM live, even when his style changed with each new album. Amazing talent. Saw him when he was a youngster and saw him again on his final tour, and in between too. He is missed.

Once again, so many treasures to catch up on, from the Bless the Weather lp through to One World he never put a foot wrong. You could try the great Roy Harper too 👍

This is up there in my top ten tracks of all time and I've got quite a few hundred favourite tracks! This track brings back such good memories of dearly departed loved ones. Please do Bless The Weather and also the John and Beverley Martyn track Sweet Honesty. I think you'll love those, too.

Great Album a must listen

I like the two songs from this album you’ve featured, but the standout song from this album is definitely the title track’Solid Air’ for which he basically invented a new way of singing! Another favorite is ‘Watching Her Eyes’ from his later album ’Sapphire’ (still may have it on vinyl around her somewhere) which is less acoustic.

It's reminiscent of a lot of singer/songwriters we had back in the '60s and '70s, Donovan, Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Neil Diamond, Crosby, Stills & Nash. I recommend listening to the album "Teas for the Tillerman" by Cat Stevens, not a bad song on it. Crosby & Nash made some excellent albums as a duo as well, "Wind on the Water" and "Whistling Down the Wire".

@sidecardog5244

3 жыл бұрын

Second your request for Tea for the Tillerman...or Teaser and the Firecat. Both excellent.

I've always been aware of John Martyn out the corner of my eye, but this is my first encounter with him. I have to agree with your assessment here. Not something I would necessarily listen to again but at the same time I don't want to judge a whole career on the basis of one song.

Hello. I would like to say that I am glad you enjoyed the song. It is indeed soothing and comforting. I have loved John Martyn ever since I discovered his music back in 2016. I am also glad I came across this video. Thank you so much and have a nice day.

@JustJP

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sean, hope you have a nice day as well!

Now you're talking! John Martyn, part of that fabulous collection of British acoustic guitarists who emerged in the 1960s (after collecting at the Gyre and Gimble cafe in the 1950's) And Solid Air is itself a tribute to Nick Drake. I think the most under-rated 60s band is Pentangle (worlds only acoustic folk-jazz group?) who featured both John Renbourn and Bert Jansch (whom Jimmy Page ripped off on the first Led Zep album). Not to forget Donovan who taught Lennon and McCartney finger-pickin guitar in India and is partly responsible for at least Julia and Blackbird from the White Album. Lots of great acoustic guitarists to check out ;)

Yes, he's more about a feel and an acoustic groove that's somehow both passionately intense and nonchalantly laid back at the same time. For more musical intricacy and acoustic guitar wizardry you could try Bert Jansch and John Renbourn (as a duo, or solo, or with the folk-jazz group Pentangle); or Gordon Giltrap (who made a great trio of instrumental concept albums with a progressive acoustic-electric band in the late 1970s - Visionary, Perilous Journey & Fear Of The Dark); or for lyrical depth, story telling and melodic mastery as well as great guitar picking there's Ralph McTell who has so much more to offer than his early hit Streets Of London. And for solo acoustic artists who major on traditional material, there's Martin Simpson or Nic Jones (especially the wonderfully titled Penguins Eggs album). Not everyone likes these folk/acoustic genres, but there's plenty of great stuff to go at if you do.

Have you tried any Richard Thompson? Legendary folk.blues/rock musician with a wonderfully edgy voice & an amazing guitarist. I like it best when he rocks it: Hard On Me is fabulous.

@br.martindallyosb1147

3 жыл бұрын

Anything by Richard Thompson is gonna be great! My own favorite album is "Pour Down Like Silver", made with his then wife Linda. My into to his solo work was "Shoot Out The Lights", the title track still blows me away. Thanks for suggesting that Justin check him out. :-)

Thank you for giving John Martyn a listen. I really hope you give the title track a listen. I think I have mentioned before that it was written about his friend Nick Drake. It shows more of John's talent and another must listen if you wanted to go further would be "Small Hours" I agree it's worth giving the whole album a listen. And just wait till you get to his Jazz tinged stuff. He was a very, very talented guitarist and he came up with the method of using an acoustic guitar and an echoplex box to make his sound much larger and layer his playing. And he did all this whilst sining as well.

love the man. thank you.

@JustJP

3 жыл бұрын

Anytime Rob!

Such good taste, ye

saw John Martyn a few times, always good. His Solid Air album is superb, as is the One World album, one of my favourite albums.

Back in the day of early Lost in Vegas When they had basic tech stuff i thought wow lo-fi sub culture cross- fermentation Then i stopped and when i returned They were all plush Professional leather seats & big mics. What will it beJp? May you never lose your woman overnight whatever u decide j. Class song. Catchy. Won me over. A class pop folk anthem, subtle and yet Tuneful! More please. Including the PC stuff which i never got round to. Diolch.

Always here to represent for the Emerald Isle ☘️ You should react to some Richard Thompson if you don’t already know him. Scottish. Brilliant guitarist. 1952 Vincent Black Lightning, please?

@murdockreviews

3 жыл бұрын

Beeswing :-)

@lemming9984

3 жыл бұрын

Thompson came from London.

@craigireland5629

3 жыл бұрын

One of Scotland's gems who pretty much went under the radar is the late Jackie Leven who left us many great songs to remember him by.

Great choice! John Martyn was known to not so wide audience but instead was highly appreciated among musicians of his era. Solid Air is a classy album with many good songs. I do recommend his live album Philentrophy with a bit more electric sound. One artist that should get your attention is Stevie Winwood from Traffic. His first self- titled solo album (1977) is an excellent album. It was not a commercial succes, but that is the story to many a good things. Vacant Chair from the album would be a perfect choice. Hold On is also a very good song.

@benoitdesmarais2948

3 жыл бұрын

I'd go for Time is Running Out or Luck's In, but that just shows what a good album that was. Why it tanked is a mystery to me.

Very folkie. Takes me back to the old music parties of years gone by. His voice and the tune remind me of someone though I can't say who. The next time you dip into the folk waters, you might want to consider Stan Rogers' "Mary Ellen Carter" from his Between The Breaks album. It is live but it is the seminal version.

Wonderful song, wonderful musician. If you can you really should check out the version of this song that he recorded for the BBC's Transatlantic Sessions with Kathy Mattea, Jerry Douglas and Danny Thompson. It's just pure joy. Search for John Martyn with Kathy Mattea - May You Never on You Tube for the recording.

Mellow fellow made me nod off, with no hand to hold, work was super busy. Had nothing to do with his song except it was very pleasant. Cool guitar, agreed. I like this guy, sometimes ya need a guy or girl with an acoustic singing pleasant things. Peace and hybrid picking Music

Sorry it didn't quite float your boat - I love it personally on my first hearing - but a good description in that he's the other side of the coin to Nick Drake. I believe that they were friends with the more sucessful Martyn trying to promote Drake from yime to time.

Wow, rare pick. Solid Air as a whole is wonderful and May You Never is imh far from the best cuts on the record. Give it a shot, it’s truly worth it.

This is easy (folk)listening, but sadly also easily forgotten for me. Been meaning to suggest an album to you for about a year or so, but I`ve hesitated because I don`t think you`ll find it on spotify (don`t have Spotify myself) and I know that it can be an issue with the sound quality (Prog Line has the best version of this album) The album is called Hands by the band Hands (1977) and it`s not very known, but that`s nothing to do with the quality of the album, just the fact that it wasn`t released until in the 90`s. This is pure symphonic prog rock with lots of flute and violin, quite pastoral in spots, more rocking in others. About 60% instrumental, 40% with vocals. I recommend the song Dreamsearch first because it gives a good representation of the album, so you can see for yourself if it`s anything for you. I first heard this album (as my 4. prog rock album ever) 3 years ago, and it`s never been out of my top 7 album listens (and I only listen to albums now). Hope you`ll want to check it out and that you`ll eventually have time to do so inbetween all the other requests. Have a good weekend. :)

@progqueen6219

3 жыл бұрын

@@Katehowe3010 That may be, but folk music in general really isn`t my scene. Maybe if the album is something different than folk :)

@progqueen6219

3 жыл бұрын

@@Katehowe3010 Okay, I`ll check it out at an oppertune time. :)

Ah, John Martyn. Only person I ever saw stop a concert to smoke a spliff that an audience member handed to him on stage.

@garyanning9731

3 жыл бұрын

@@Katehowe3010 And Roy Harper did it at the last Stonehenge free Festival.

@raybishop1130

3 жыл бұрын

@@Katehowe3010 I think that must have been the same tour 😌 I saw him in Brighton

@raybishop1130

3 жыл бұрын

@@Katehowe3010 I meant John, not Roy. I think John was always quite talkative 😏

Solid Air is his best album.

Niiiiice, but not the high point of this album. When you feel in a jazzy mood, go for the title track, written about his friend Nick Drake: one of the great songs of the 70's, period. Solid Air was showing his growing interest outside the world of folk and acoustic music, after the great Bless the Weather. He used an Echoplex on his guitar, and even solo, could produce quite a racket. He opened for Yes in the U.S., playing solo in hockey arenas, and made some noise.

@Macilmoyle

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely agree with the suggestion of Solid Air. For a piece of pure class, the BBC Transatlantic Sessions' recording with the sublime Danny Thompson on bass takes some beating.

Johnny Too Bad from Grace and Danger 1980 is one (of many) favorites. kzread.info/dash/bejne/a5eLsJtuXbzApKw.html And Didn't Do That from Glorious Fool from 1981 with Phil Collins on drums is a pearl. kzread.info/dash/bejne/i4iolMyDqq7PkrQ.html

John got very frustrated with Nick Drake for not being more productive and called him out for being 'solid air'

Next video reaction: John Martyn & David Gilmour John Wayne live.

@markspooner1224

3 жыл бұрын

@@Katehowe3010 I meant 'video' reaction as opposed to the every day reactions.

@markspooner1224

3 жыл бұрын

@@Katehowe3010 Yes, he's started doing videos too. He's done Queen and Talking Heads so far.

Know of him, never really listened to him, this genre has never really appealed to me. This's ok for what it is, but what it is doesn't do anything for me, a bit bland.

@jfergs.3302

3 жыл бұрын

@@Katehowe3010 I'll add it to my list, give it a go :)

@jfergs.3302

3 жыл бұрын

@@Katehowe3010 Cheers, I'll be in touch :)