John Martyn — Solid Air
Album: Solid AirAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2665
Length: 5:40
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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You've been taking your time
And you've been living on solid air
You've been walking the line
You've been living on solid air
Don't know what's going wrong inside
And I can tell you that it's hard to hide
When you're living on
Solid air
You've been painting it blue
And you've been looking through solid air
You've been seeing it through
And you've been looking through solid air
Don't know what's going wrong in your mind
And I can tell you don't like what you find
When you're moving through
Solid air
I know you, I love you
And I could be your friend
I could follow you anywhere
Even through solid air
You've been stoning it cold
You've been living on solid air
You've been finding that gold
You've been living on solid air
I don't know what's going on inside
I can tell you that it's hard to hide
When you're living on
Solid air, solid air
You've been getting too deep
You've been living on solid air
You've been missing your sleep
And you've been moving through solid air
I don't know what's going on in your mind
But I know you don't like what you find
When you're moving through
Solid air, solid air
I know you, I love you
I'll be your friend
I could follow you anywhere
Even through solid air
You've been walking your line
You've been walking on solid air
You've been taking your time
But you've been walking on solid air
Don't know what's going wrong inside
But I can tell you that it's hard to hide
When you're living on
Solid air, solid air
You've been painting it blue
You've been living on solid air
You've been seeing it through
And you've been living on solid air
I don't know what's going on in your mind
But I can tell you don't like what you find
When your living on
Solid air, solid air
I know you, I love you
And I'll be your friend
I could follow you anywhere
Even through solid air
Ice blue solid air
Nice blue solid air
And you've been living on solid air
You've been walking the line
You've been living on solid air
Don't know what's going wrong inside
And I can tell you that it's hard to hide
When you're living on
Solid air
You've been painting it blue
And you've been looking through solid air
You've been seeing it through
And you've been looking through solid air
Don't know what's going wrong in your mind
And I can tell you don't like what you find
When you're moving through
Solid air
I know you, I love you
And I could be your friend
I could follow you anywhere
Even through solid air
You've been stoning it cold
You've been living on solid air
You've been finding that gold
You've been living on solid air
I don't know what's going on inside
I can tell you that it's hard to hide
When you're living on
Solid air, solid air
You've been getting too deep
You've been living on solid air
You've been missing your sleep
And you've been moving through solid air
I don't know what's going on in your mind
But I know you don't like what you find
When you're moving through
Solid air, solid air
I know you, I love you
I'll be your friend
I could follow you anywhere
Even through solid air
You've been walking your line
You've been walking on solid air
You've been taking your time
But you've been walking on solid air
Don't know what's going wrong inside
But I can tell you that it's hard to hide
When you're living on
Solid air, solid air
You've been painting it blue
You've been living on solid air
You've been seeing it through
And you've been living on solid air
I don't know what's going on in your mind
But I can tell you don't like what you find
When your living on
Solid air, solid air
I know you, I love you
And I'll be your friend
I could follow you anywhere
Even through solid air
Ice blue solid air
Nice blue solid air
Comments (217)add comment
NorthernLad wrote:
While I didn't discover Nick Drake here (it was a VW commercial), he does get played fairly regularly on RP.
Written of course for John's pal Nick Drake...Bill I never hear you play Nick or have I not been listening enough LOL
While I didn't discover Nick Drake here (it was a VW commercial), he does get played fairly regularly on RP.
Great!
Beautiful late night track.
"That will do nicely" JM
Ricvifarho wrote:
A lovely share. Thank you.
Back in the early 80s with a bunch of workmates, we rented an apartment in a chilly but atmospheric country house in the North Downs in Kent just outside London. One of my mates (thanks Dave!) introduced us to this album, as we were sat around the stove late one evening with a whisky in hand. Forty odd years later I still put this LP on late in the evening, when enjoying a dram by firelight. Every track is a classic.
A lovely share. Thank you.
Back in the early 80s with a bunch of workmates, we rented an apartment in a chilly but atmospheric country house in the North Downs in Kent just outside London. One of my mates (thanks Dave!) introduced us to this album, as we were sat around the stove late one evening with a whisky in hand. Forty odd years later I still put this LP on late in the evening, when enjoying a dram by firelight. Every track is a classic.
nanderson1 wrote:
That's a great story! I worked with John Martyn in 2006 (in Ireland where he then resided until he passed away in early 2009). A ledged of a man to the very end.
His Anthology was my summer sound track when I lived in California in '94-'96 and introduced his music to so many folks back at that time. I love how his sound continues to influence new generations of listeners.
Couldn't Love You More - what a wonderfully appropriate song for a wedding :)
I was in a basement pub in Dublin and they played this album. I had never heard John Martyn prior to that, and I was transfixed. I asked the bartender who it was, wrote it down on a napkin, and put it in my wallet. About six months later in Toronto, I met a British guy, pulled that napkin out and asked him if he knew who John Martyn was. He did, and shared some of his CDs with me. Couldn't Love You More was our first dance song at our wedding a couple of years later, and now 22 years later, we still love him!
That's a great story! I worked with John Martyn in 2006 (in Ireland where he then resided until he passed away in early 2009). A ledged of a man to the very end.
His Anthology was my summer sound track when I lived in California in '94-'96 and introduced his music to so many folks back at that time. I love how his sound continues to influence new generations of listeners.
Couldn't Love You More - what a wonderfully appropriate song for a wedding :)
NorthernLad wrote:
I hear a goodly amount of Nick on RP!? Another genius.
Written of course for John's pal Nick Drake...Bill I never hear you play Nick or have I not been listening enough LOL
I hear a goodly amount of Nick on RP!? Another genius.
It is good to see that the real time captioning of this song miserably fails :D
garrettb wrote:
I guess John Martyn was a troubled soul in his latter years.
I saw him in Whelan’s Pub in Dublin circa 2000 – a small intimate venue, where me and my brother had our own table, and Guinness brought to us on demand – a very nice setting.
This is my recollection of the evening – a little bit distant – but I think accurate:
The band came out, without John, and started playing. After one song, still no sign of John, and the band played a second tune. Still no sign of John, but the room was full of JM fans so no complaints, just patience. One of the stage crew then placed a cheap plastic chair at the centre of the stage and soon after out came John Martyn, in a sharp black suit and black turtleneck seater … and blue slippers.
I think he was ‘helped’ to the chair.
There he sat in the chair, as the band started the third song/tune – obviously weighed down by what ever substance had been recently taken – his head down, his eyes closed, guitar in hand…
After a short time, he started playing the guitar, head still down, eyes still closed, no singing.
You could sense the audience willing and hoping and waiting.
Finally, about two thirds the way through the third song, his head lifted slowly, and his eyes glazed open.
The crowd roared in relief, and the rest of the evening began.
Mr Martyn was indeed deeply troubled in his last years. Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, mentions this in his memoir, The Islander.
(By the way, I couldn't decide if the book was a boastful episode of name-dropping or an insider's tale from the beginnings of rock and roll.)
I guess John Martyn was a troubled soul in his latter years.
I saw him in Whelan’s Pub in Dublin circa 2000 – a small intimate venue, where me and my brother had our own table, and Guinness brought to us on demand – a very nice setting.
This is my recollection of the evening – a little bit distant – but I think accurate:
The band came out, without John, and started playing. After one song, still no sign of John, and the band played a second tune. Still no sign of John, but the room was full of JM fans so no complaints, just patience. One of the stage crew then placed a cheap plastic chair at the centre of the stage and soon after out came John Martyn, in a sharp black suit and black turtleneck seater … and blue slippers.
I think he was ‘helped’ to the chair.
There he sat in the chair, as the band started the third song/tune – obviously weighed down by what ever substance had been recently taken – his head down, his eyes closed, guitar in hand…
After a short time, he started playing the guitar, head still down, eyes still closed, no singing.
You could sense the audience willing and hoping and waiting.
Finally, about two thirds the way through the third song, his head lifted slowly, and his eyes glazed open.
The crowd roared in relief, and the rest of the evening began.
Mr Martyn was indeed deeply troubled in his last years. Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, mentions this in his memoir, The Islander.
(By the way, I couldn't decide if the book was a boastful episode of name-dropping or an insider's tale from the beginnings of rock and roll.)
SmackDaddy wrote:
You carried that napkin around for 6 months instead of just Googling the name?
Google started in 1998. Life started a little earlier...
You carried that napkin around for 6 months instead of just Googling the name?
Saw him from the first row of the St. Andrews Uni in Fife in 1977. He was so frickin’ on. And he was f’ed up. But what a show!!! He’s a legend. RIP John
I guess John Martyn was a troubled soul in his latter years.
I saw him in Whelan’s Pub in Dublin circa 2000 – a small intimate venue, where me and my brother had our own table, and Guinness brought to us on demand – a very nice setting.
This is my recollection of the evening – a little bit distant – but I think accurate:
The band came out, without John, and started playing. After one song, still no sign of John, and the band played a second tune. Still no sign of John, but the room was full of JM fans so no complaints, just patience. One of the stage crew then placed a cheap plastic chair at the centre of the stage and soon after out came John Martyn, in a sharp black suit and black turtleneck seater … and blue slippers.
I think he was ‘helped’ to the chair.
There he sat in the chair, as the band started the third song/tune – obviously weighed down by what ever substance had been recently taken – his head down, his eyes closed, guitar in hand…
After a short time, he started playing the guitar, head still down, eyes still closed, no singing.
You could sense the audience willing and hoping and waiting.
Finally, about two thirds the way through the third song, his head lifted slowly, and his eyes glazed open.
The crowd roared in relief, and the rest of the evening began.
Great tune. Natural Born Lover by JM also brilliant - not sure RP has it?
effing legend JM
Goosebumps every time. In love with this song 
Now living on solid food after dental implants....
nanderson1 wrote:
You carried that napkin around for 6 months instead of just Googling the name?
I was in a basement pub in Dublin and they played this album. I had never heard John Martyn prior to that, and I was transfixed. I asked the bartender who it was, wrote it down on a napkin, and put it in my wallet. About six months later in Toronto, I met a British guy, pulled that napkin out and asked him if he knew who John Martyn was. He did, and shared some of his CDs with me. Couldn't Love You More was our first dance song at our wedding a couple of years later, and now 22 years later, we still love him!
You carried that napkin around for 6 months instead of just Googling the name?
Fantastic tune and delivery.
But imagine if this was Coldplay? It would be a 5 and everyone on RP would hate it.
Good Tune!
Solid 8 for Solid Air
Clue:
Main Mix - 1
Mellow Mix - 5
World/Etc Mix - 6
Clue:
Main Mix - 1
Mellow Mix - 5
World/Etc Mix - 6
NorthernLad wrote:
He does play Nick Drake, occasionally.
Written of course for John's pal Nick Drake...Bill I never hear you play Nick or have I not been listening enough LOL
He does play Nick Drake, occasionally.
I've always loved Vic Reeves's impression of John Martyn
Earlier today Marvin Gaye, now John Martyn! This is why we listen to RP! Thank you!
pamorama wrote:
Listen to the whole album! Then find another John Martyn album and repeat!👍😎
I can't believe this was recorded in '73 and I haven't heard it till '20. Wow what a sweet, cool groove.
Listen to the whole album! Then find another John Martyn album and repeat!👍😎
Thanks fir introducing me Layo Gooder 10/10.
I can't believe this was recorded in '73 and I haven't heard it till '20. Wow what a sweet, cool groove.
sirtezza wrote:
From Wikipedia.
Martyn was born in Beechcroft Avenue, New Malden, Surrey, England.
but you can claim him as Scottish if it pleases you.
My father was born in Fleet, Hampshire, but was Scottish to his bones.
From Wikipedia.
Martyn was born in Beechcroft Avenue, New Malden, Surrey, England.
but you can claim him as Scottish if it pleases you.
My father was born in Fleet, Hampshire, but was Scottish to his bones.
baylees wrote:
Maybe if you took the cloth out of your ears you'd hear better?
Maybe if he spit the marbles out of his mouth it might sound better?
Maybe if you took the cloth out of your ears you'd hear better?
kevrey wrote:
He is auditioning for the next Godfather movie. Brando put cotton in his cheeks.
Mumble, mumble
He is auditioning for the next Godfather movie. Brando put cotton in his cheeks.
Maybe if he spit the marbles out of his mouth it might sound better?
AMAZING
Imagine writing, performing, mixing this...
10.
Imagine writing, performing, mixing this...
10.
Ya know, a lot of times (like now), siting here enjoying a song, and then I find myself shocked when I learn it was recoded in NINETEEN SEVENTY-THREE! Could've been done yesterday to my ears.
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
torment and great art are not always mutually exclusive
I saw John Martyn back in the early 70's in Queens University Student Union Belfast and he was quite amazing. I had never heard of him before going to the concert but I remained a fan ever since. By all accounts he was a difficult person and maybe not very nice but he was quite a talent.
torment and great art are not always mutually exclusive
A piece gloriously portrayed. A tortured soul mixed with expressive rhythms, deft and sweet depth bass undertones, and a simply fantastic range of syncopation entwined through sax, guitar, strings and vocals. 10/10
I this Yellow?
He does go on a bit though, doesn’t he?
I sense a strong spiritual similarity to some of joni mitchell's jazzy tracks. Very nice.
I was in a basement pub in Dublin and they played this album. I had never heard John Martyn prior to that, and I was transfixed. I asked the bartender who it was, wrote it down on a napkin, and put it in my wallet. About six months later in Toronto, I met a British guy, pulled that napkin out and asked him if he knew who John Martyn was. He did, and shared some of his CDs with me. Couldn't Love You More was our first dance song at our wedding a couple of years later, and now 22 years later, we still love him!
unclehud wrote:
Why is that important? It's music, and his voice is as much an instrument as his guitar or that sweet, sweet sax. Just relax, tune in, and catch his groove.
Right on unc. Love that sax.
Maybe read the lyrics to the left?
Why is that important? It's music, and his voice is as much an instrument as his guitar or that sweet, sweet sax. Just relax, tune in, and catch his groove.
Right on unc. Love that sax.
Maybe read the lyrics to the left?
A gem, a Scottish gem, nothing better.
Mumble, mumble
Another fine artist Bill has turned me on to. Quite nice.
KJP wrote:
Why is that important? It's music, and his voice is as much an instrument as his guitar or that sweet, sweet sax. Just relax, tune in, and catch his groove.
Great melody, but I can't tell what the hell he's saying. "Ooo eeeeenn ooo solid air"?
Why is that important? It's music, and his voice is as much an instrument as his guitar or that sweet, sweet sax. Just relax, tune in, and catch his groove.
I saw JM play live a few times, around this time, and he was amazing. And I never get tired of hearing this song, in particular..!
Take me drunk I'm home.
Will62 wrote:
this song is so deep, love it! And you Will62 seem to be really cool : )
When I was a lad of 11 I thought my older brother (8 years age gap) was the epitome of cool. He brought this LP home along with the Atlanta Rhythm Sections "Champagne Jam". Well this was nothing short of an epiphany to my adolescent ears.
Fast forward to now and hearing this after so many years I find it parallels almost indistinguishably to my relationship with said brother - still like it (him) but it (he) isn't quite as cool as I once imagined.
Fast forward to now and hearing this after so many years I find it parallels almost indistinguishably to my relationship with said brother - still like it (him) but it (he) isn't quite as cool as I once imagined.
this song is so deep, love it! And you Will62 seem to be really cool : )
solid air...the kind you can see 3 drinks in and the bar has gotten a little darker conversation slips across from the booth while you grasp at getting back on thread but for the sweet smoke not obscuring your view but maybe lean in don't fall wait i'm not sure i said that or did i hear you say that you did i can't catch that thought i gotta go i never knew a spitfire was so slow.
Judging from the comments John Martyn appears to be something of a musical litmus test. In actuality I like it better when the common folk don't have the ear to appreciate him.
clickfaster wrote:
Saw something online recently that struck me as funny - "For every cigarette you smoke, God takes away one hour of your life and gives it to Keith Richards"
This reminds me of trying to understand what Keith Richards is saying.
Saw something online recently that struck me as funny - "For every cigarette you smoke, God takes away one hour of your life and gives it to Keith Richards"
I didn't discover him until too late. But had I known about him then I'd have very happily spent the $2.00 for an album by him at Korvette's record department.
To be honest, this song cracks me up. I can't get the image of the Swedish Chef out of my head every time I hear it.
My goodness, I so miss John.
Sigh.
Sigh.
When I was a lad of 11 I thought my older brother (8 years age gap) was the epitome of cool. He brought this LP home along with the Atlanta Rhythm Sections "Champagne Jam". Well this was nothing short of an epiphany to my adolescent ears.
Fast forward to now and hearing this after so many years I find it parallels almost indistinguishably to my relationship with said brother - still like it (him) but it (he) isn't quite as cool as I once imagined.
Fast forward to now and hearing this after so many years I find it parallels almost indistinguishably to my relationship with said brother - still like it (him) but it (he) isn't quite as cool as I once imagined.
I suppose if you were buying this on iTunes you would get your money's worth. It does seem to go on and on.
absolutelqycool piece of music, with a stunning insightful way of performing vocals....Love it!!
Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
For my part: because it some sort of navel-gazing, meaningless, sultry jazz thing; which is something I can't stand. But, hey, we all have our faullts
.
... How come average RP rating is 6.6 ...
For my part: because it some sort of navel-gazing, meaningless, sultry jazz thing; which is something I can't stand. But, hey, we all have our faullts
.Exquisite combining of his really loose style and tight music around voice. Really nice.
One of my most favourite songs, absolutely love it! 
Every time I hear this, I look to see what rating I gave it, now it's a 10. It hits such a great nerve!
Very Nice!
Perfect after Nick Drake. Well done Bill.
Outstanding, truly outstanding and is a BIG 10. How come average RP rating is 6.6 - a lot of people out there have a really bad hearing problem.
This is the first time I have heard this song. I really like it, though I admit it treads closely to the line of desultory jazz, which I am still working hard to learn to appreciate.
Knowing it is a tribute to one of my favorite artists and applying the lyrics to, and putting the musical composition into that frame, this is an amazing piece altogether.
Thanks for introducing me to it, RP!
Knowing it is a tribute to one of my favorite artists and applying the lyrics to, and putting the musical composition into that frame, this is an amazing piece altogether.
Thanks for introducing me to it, RP!
Written of course for John's pal Nick Drake...Bill I never hear you play Nick or have I not been listening enough LOL
love the vibe of this composition groovy :)
solid qi from my low center transparent qi out and around you and again ; )
Nice one.
very nice...late night early morn stoner song!
This is definitely a keeper for the rotation. Might have to give it a TEN.
I saw John Martyn back in the early 70's in Queens University Student Union Belfast and he was quite amazing. I had never heard of him before going to the concert but I remained a fan ever since. By all accounts he was a difficult person and maybe not very nice but he was quite a talent.
I understood John Martyn more after I heard someone say that he sings like a saxophone. Now I listen to him as an instrument more than worrying about his diction.
Perfect for a mellow evening. Sadly in the UK it's mid afternoon and I've now nearly dropped off. Zzzzzzz
solid 10 coool
blurble blurble blurble
Make it stop
This is not possible! This song truly heals a man.
This was one of those songs best played late in the evening after a good toke! A Long Time ago in San Francisco land......
Great song to study the correct English pronunciation 
My ears are hurting.....absolute drivel!
AndyJ wrote:
Well put. It's amusing how people here home in on a single aspect of music they don't want to like, instead of appreciating and enjoying music for the overall feeling it creates. In the case of John Martyn it's the voice, of course. As if perfect diction has ever been a requirement in rock, jazz and blues.
IMO, if you want intelligibility so much, download a talking book. Or watch the news.
From reading the comments, I suspect a generational divide is present.
I like John Martyn. He caught an edge of a Fusion Jazz movement that was in the air at the time. Not Rock, not Jazz, not many things, but something unique and gone all too soon for me. I enjoy the music played here and learn from what I find new, annoying, or... different.
I like John Martyn. He caught an edge of a Fusion Jazz movement that was in the air at the time. Not Rock, not Jazz, not many things, but something unique and gone all too soon for me. I enjoy the music played here and learn from what I find new, annoying, or... different.
Well put. It's amusing how people here home in on a single aspect of music they don't want to like, instead of appreciating and enjoying music for the overall feeling it creates. In the case of John Martyn it's the voice, of course. As if perfect diction has ever been a requirement in rock, jazz and blues.
IMO, if you want intelligibility so much, download a talking book. Or watch the news.
From reading the comments, I suspect a generational divide is present.
I like John Martyn. He caught an edge of a Fusion Jazz movement that was in the air at the time. Not Rock, not Jazz, not many things, but something unique and gone all too soon for me. I enjoy the music played here and learn from what I find new, annoying, or... different.
I like John Martyn. He caught an edge of a Fusion Jazz movement that was in the air at the time. Not Rock, not Jazz, not many things, but something unique and gone all too soon for me. I enjoy the music played here and learn from what I find new, annoying, or... different.
This reminds me of trying to understand what Keith Richards is saying.
Atmospheric. Evocative. Pure magic. An easy 10.
tshh! listen......
Magical. Close your eyes and listen
Reminds me of Sangria and Sunset at the beach with a bonfire....
"Wake up; we're recording!"
Could he be just more comprehensible this would be awesome, like it is now it's just "K"
bentonian wrote:
Each to their own Bentonian but I think its majestic. Island Records was so incredibly creative in the late 60s to early 70s. John Martyn, Fairport Convention, Free, Roxy Music, King Crimson, Traffic, The Wailers and Nick Drake.
Wish they played music like this in the elevators I ride in!
Wow, this is really, really boring. Too slow for elevator music. Too bland for a hospital waiting room.
Each to their own Bentonian but I think its majestic. Island Records was so incredibly creative in the late 60s to early 70s. John Martyn, Fairport Convention, Free, Roxy Music, King Crimson, Traffic, The Wailers and Nick Drake.
Wish they played music like this in the elevators I ride in!
Mmafaaadidadabooo yoobemoovinthroo solid air!
Jeffrey wrote:
yeah...
This entire album is incredible. May you never—
yeah...
Wow, this is really, really boring. Too slow for elevator music. Too bland for a hospital waiting room.
Thats really cool
Cringe worthy vocals sounds like they are trying to channel lightin hopkins..boring,
10, next
This entire album is incredible. May you never--
An Album that has been played and played since 1973 and the track Solid Air about Nick Drake possibly,
is georgeous. The best chill out album of all time...probably.
is georgeous. The best chill out album of all time...probably.
Andrew_C wrote:
Me too. Still miss the great man. . . he is a great reminder to me to make the effort to see live music as and when I can because you never know who you might never be able to see again. . . or might miss some amazing live talent. . . just like John had in such abundance.
I saw him on his last tour; what a talent, what a performer.
Me too. Still miss the great man. . . he is a great reminder to me to make the effort to see live music as and when I can because you never know who you might never be able to see again. . . or might miss some amazing live talent. . . just like John had in such abundance.
Classic song and album, I never grow bored of it.
it hits me like this, things are so so down, and you are way on the bottom, and that solid friend of many years stays with you, talks low and serious with you about how its nothing brother, it will work out man, because you're here and you're great and everybody loves you man
I love you brother
I love you brother
After Nick Drake & Steely Dan: INCREDIBLY PERFECT. Exquisitely formed, like a newly cooled expanding galaxy, like a re-booted DNA sequence of Infinity...
I find myself wondering how much "solid air" he had before recording this.
Just brilliant, I'd have loved to see him play live but never got the opportunity.
Love the number off this LP titled "Go Down Easy" too. Ethereal music by this artist is worth a listen.
Drug music - god I miss John. "Godlike album"
Interesting. I give it a 6. Love the cover artwork, too.
This song should headline the "Save the Beeeezzz" Campaign...
Still interesting after 40 years
I saw him on his last tour; what a talent, what a performer.
Great melody, but I can't tell what the hell he's saying. "Ooo eeeeenn ooo solid air"?
Muteworthy.
Thanks for the double dose of John Martyn on Twosday.
Well, I liked it. But once was enough.
Lichenia, wrote:
The first time I saw him play live, my sister and I turned to eachother and said at the same time....." he's so young." I think it was because he was our age but clearly had so much talent. What a guy.
never fails for me, my all time favourite ever. Saw John twice live and will never forget his performance
The first time I saw him play live, my sister and I turned to eachother and said at the same time....." he's so young." I think it was because he was our age but clearly had so much talent. What a guy.
Very nice. Very nice, indeed.
Reminds me of Mark-Almond the fusion-jazz band of the '70s. They only put out a few albums...but they are among my faves.
Listening thru headphones opens this up nicely
Thank you..
Listening thru headphones opens this up nicely
Thank you..
Sometimes he and Harry Manx sound so much alike! This one's great.
sweet piece man ummmm um, wow, music that does and does not require some real introspection
I guess John Martyn was a troubled soul in his latter years.
I saw him in Whelan’s Pub in Dublin circa 2000 – a small intimate venue, where me and my brother had our own table, and Guinness brought to us on demand – a very nice setting.
This is my recollection of the evening – a little bit distant – but I think accurate:
The band came out, without John, and started playing. After one song, still no sign of John, and the band played a second tune. Still no sign of John, but the room was full of JM fans so no complaints, just patience. One of the stage crew then placed a cheap plastic chair at the centre of the stage and soon after out came John Martyn, in a sharp black suit and black turtleneck seater … and blue slippers.
I think he was ‘helped’ to the chair.
There he sat in the chair, as the band started the third song/tune – obviously weighed down by what ever substance had been recently taken – his head down, his eyes closed, guitar in hand…
After a short time, he started playing the guitar, head still down, eyes still closed, no singing.
You could sense the audience willing and hoping and waiting.
Finally, about two thirds the way through the third song, his head lifted slowly, and his eyes glazed open.
The crowd roared in relief, and the rest of the evening began.
How incredibly sad.