Solid Air - John Martyn

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: Intelligent, tuneful songs, sturdy strings
Disadvantages: Their mood may be too sombre for some

...of the highlights to a tribute concert to the man. While she shares Drake’s taste for stripped-back but sturdy arrangements, she doesn’t go in for his instrumental virtuosity. And her brand of vulnerability is shot through with a bracing streak of toughness. So although ‘We Dug a Hole’ – a celebration of lovers retreating from the world – starts with fragile finger-picked guitar and simple bass, it builds in intensity as drums and cellos work up a hypnotic, organic groove. ‘Jasmine Hoop’ is bolstered by Hammond organ in the choruses to create a heady affirmation of confidence towards a weak-willed lover. ‘Fell Down Fast’ is built around some of the most muscular double bass work in popular music since Danny Thompson’s contributions to John Martyn’s Solid Air. Like that Martyn song (which was about Nick Drake, as it happens), it is a touching lament... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great songs and music
Disadvantages: Not very well known

.... A difficulty in characterising Drake's music especially on this recording possibly lies at the heart of his lack of commercial and critical recognition. Drake never fitted in. His music although sounding like it was part of the folk revival of the late 60's and early 70's didn't have any roots in what most would call traditional folk music, his compositions were not political in nature he wasn't protesting against anything much at a time where it was fashionable to do so in folk circles. At the other end of the spectrum he didn't quite fit in to the singer songwriter genre of the time which included people like Cat Stevens, Elton John and Joni Mitchell who were all more firmly based in the folk or rock tradition. If anything Drake could be aligned with artist such as John Martyn who was a friend of Drake's and whose most enduring song 'Solid Air... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful