Folk & Country > M Folk & Country > Singer/Songwriter

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

John Martyn was a very talented British singer/songwiter/musician, who attracted a strong interest and following during the 1970s (less so in the '80s),.But he enjoyed little commercial recognition, despite his best albums selling steadily over the years. Although Martyn started out as a folk artist in the late 1960s, by the time of this release, jazz and blues influences had crept into his repertoire. By the '80s, Martyn's studio albums had ...
...but not some might say, for the better. Bless The Weather, released in 1971 is John Martyn's fifth album, and arguably his best. It originally included ten tracks, nine songs plus one superb instrumental jam. What the original album managed to achieve is the near perfect blend of contemporary folk and jazz. And with John's expressive vocals, he hardly puts a foot wrong here. The CD's photograph cover hints at the atmosphere of the whole album, ... Read review

Advantages: Intermate performance by John Martyn
Disadvantages: Too much audience 'murmur' in the background

This recording is of a solo set John Martyn did at the Medway Folk Centre in Kent, England. The proprietor of the folk club recorded the show on a reel to reel tape machine. Being this was the source of this recording the quality is acceptable although a bit echoy with rather too much audience murmur in the background. What you do get is the feel of an intimate folk club. The interpretation of the songs is also intimate, with several gentle love ...
...with full use of the echoplex unit. PLEASE NOTE. The original publicity about the album from HUX records said that the album would contain 9 tracks from the Medway Recodings, and 4 other tracks from radio recordings. This is what most sellers are advertising. The album however is in fact only 9 tracks long and DOES NOT contain the tracks Flying On Home, Different From The Book, Dusty & Hello Train, which is a shame as they are rarer tracks which ... Read review

Advantages: Provides a great introduction to John Martyns folk, blues, and jazz fusion
Disadvantages: Only contains work from 71-87

This is truly a sweet little mystery of fusion music. I found that the cd indulged varied styles from jazz to tradition folk. Anyone who has an interest in chilled jazz or acoustic music will regard the compilation highly. Very good value for money and the hardcore fans will get what they want due to a cleverly compiled album. A good insight to John Martyns work over these 16 years however this is also the miner flaw as his earlier work is regarded ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent musically and lyrically
Disadvantages: Relatively unknown

...experience or age. SOLID AIR After a string of critically acclaimed albums in the late 60’s and early 70’s he released ‘Bless the Weather’ (1971) which marked a departure for Martyn. After having recorded two albums with his then wife, folk singer Beverly Kutner she bowed out of the next project has she was expecting a baby. Martyn was also becoming frustrated with the limitations of the folk/rock niche he had carved out for himself. A desire to ...
...two. Tracks: Solid Air Over The Hill Don't Want To Know I'd Rather Be The Devil Go Down Easy Dreams By The Sea May You Never The Man In The Station Easy Blues Musicians: John Martyn - acoustic guitars, electric guitar, vocals, synthesiser Danny Thompson - double bass Rabbit (John Bundrick) - acoustic piano, electric piano, organ, clavinet Dave Mattacks – drums (Paul Kossof drums on May You Never) Dave Pegg - bass Speedy (Neemoi Acquaye) - ... Read review

Advantages: Groundbreaking Recording, Charming Angelic Voice
Disadvantages: Not used to Celtic Melodies

...to track --- 1. Somebody (3:41) ~~ 5/5 A great opening with the airy instrumental chords, then Dover's pure and clear voice caught my attention immediately. It is an Irish or Scottish song in 18th Century. I like the melodies. 2. The Baron O' Brackley (6:15) ~~ 4/5 The melody is strange to me, but the rhythm & sound of the pipe solo is delightful to me. 3. On Castle Rock (4:50) ~~ 3/5 A pure instrumental piece, the pipe is leading the melody. ...
...Another strange melody, but Dover's angelic voice makes me to close up my eye to feel it. 5. Jack of Diamonds (4:20) ~~ 5/5 This track I like it more! The lively tuned of the rhythm is more familiar to me, is a song of America comes from Southern Missouri. 6. Cantus (6:16) ~~ 5/5 The language of this track is mixed in English and Irish (?), is a 14th century Irish monastic tradition. I like it so much although I can't really understand what she ... Read review