Serendipity (An Introduction To John Martyn) - John Martyn

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

...With the recent death of John Martyn OBE announced at the age of 60, I thought I'd review his most popular and enduring album, Solid Air, regarded by many fans as his masterpiece. A Brief Background John Martyn was born in 1948 in Surrey to Scottish parents who moved back to Glasgow, when he was still a toddler..His parents soon split up and he continued to live with his father and took up the guitar at 15. He made rapid progress on the instrument developing a finger-picking style. Two years later he left home at 17, heading back to the South East, where he began to perform on the British folk circuit, eventually gaining a residency at Les Cousins, London's most prestigious folk club. Whilst still a teenager he was spotted by Chris Blackwell the founder of Island Records, who signed him up in 1967, when he cut his first album... 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.

...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 changed noticeably in musical style, devoid of any folk influence, 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... Read review

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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 as the best, and this version of Spencer the rover is not his greatest, as I would have preferred his live recording. A strong album of life with underlining jazz rhythms and melodies with an influence of skip James tweaking. A album of pure effortless elegance. Truly experimental, relaxing and meaningful tunes.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful