Ain't No Saint - John Martyn

Advantages: Most of the tracks very strong. Album stands test of time
Disadvantages: Not a commercial album and needs repeated listening.

...Martyn who pioneered the idea, but was never totally dependent on it, using it only when a song was enhanced by it. Solid Air, John Martyn's next release in 1973 became his most famous and highly regarded work. Although at the time it appeared only in the lower end of the charts it became his best seller over the years. Although not quite my favourite John Martyn album, there's no doubting its appeal. Like BTW before it there is a notable jazz feel as well as folk influence with added saxophone, bass, vibes and drums augmenting the sound on some tracks. John's vocal style was the most noticeable change here, having previously sung in a clear sweet baritone, his voice now had acquired a definite rasp, as well as him slurring his lyrics. That style was to become a permanent feature. Solid Air, the beautifully jazzy opening title... Read review

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Advantages: Highly original and relaxing acoustic guitar songs, superbly played
Disadvantages: Inferior bonus tracks might interfere with the mood of the album for some.

...for Martyn's guitar playing and music. Sugar Lump is the only disappointment on this CD. It just isn't up to the high standard of the other songs. Walk On The Water features an xylophone giving a watery feel to the track. Just Now is a highly melodic and sincere song about relationships, with John accompanying himself on guitar and with a piano in the background. It closes the first half of the album. Head And Heart starts the second half, more upbeat and again strongly features Danny Thompson. This is the most commercial sounding track of the album, and is a very catchy number. Let The Good Times Come deserves a special mention. It features John's (then) wife and former recording partner, Beverly Martyn. Here she uses her echoed voice as a background instrument. The result is highly haunting and effective... Read review

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Advantages: Gavin Lee
Disadvantages: Uninspired music and lyrics

...Pastiche, the imitation of a literary or musical style for (generally) comic purposes, can be a wonderful thing. The songs of Tom Lehrer and the musical The Boyfriend spring to mind as great examples. Unfortunately, not all pastiche is good pastiche, and 'A Saint She Ain't' certainly ain't good pastiche. Written in a style reminiscent of film musicals of the 1940s and accompanied by piano (possibly two pianos, judging from the sound of the overture), the show features thirteen different songs which echo the list songs, novelty numbers and lovestruck duets remembered fondly from so many Hollywood singalongs. But it's not much fun, when it comes down to it. Music is by Denis King, lyrics by Dick Vosburgh and the cast of eight features Barry Cryer and Gavin Lee (who went on to create the stage version of Bert in Mary Poppins... Read review

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