Albums You Need To Know: John Martyn - Solid Air

[@Producelikeapro]

What other Albums do you think changed music? Let me know by commenting below!

[@spitfiremusic3997]

Grace and Danger was another Masterpiece!

[@banjoindrajit]

Dark side of the moon by Pink Floyd

[@Producelikeapro]

@@banjoindrajit masterpiece!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@spitfiremusic3997 yes, I love that album!

[@Alien-qw5ks]

Camel Mirage, that album had a great influence on me when i was a young guy, i just really love Andrew Latimer's mellodies

[@joannebeauchamp1169]

“Solid Air” is one of my all-time favorite albums! There is nothing else like it! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@jimw6659]

Stunning choice. John Martyn rarely gets covered like this. Many thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much J J! Yes, he's so important!

[@bonalba20]

John Martyn singer songwriter and performer par excellence! Much missed.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, huge loss

[@kevinbwillson4161]

John Martyn has been a cornerstone in my heart from first I heard him back in the early 70’s his was 3 years older then I if one or I had drank way to much an impaired hearing I sounded just like him until I sober up then as always Martyn took back his throne where he comfortably is held to this day. I live way over here in the Pacifica NWst USA on the Whidbey Island John has accompanied me 49 years I will forever be Thankful for his gifts of Music

[@mortalflower1]

Yes indeed! Both John Martyn and Nick Drake are still largely unknown in North America. Glad you're doing something about that!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Please tell your friends!

[@mortalflower1]

@@Producelikeapro I do, indeed!

[@natures_neighbor]

One of my favorite albums from the 70s. Such a classic. I'm gonna play 'May You Never' at my friends wedding this September.. Wish me luck!

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! I've never learned to play it! I should

[@natures_neighbor]

@@Producelikeapro Man, for someone who uses only two fingers when fingerpicking... it is hard.

[@isbergetgard3288]

I only discovered "Solid Air" in 1990, but it has been with me ever since.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wonderful

[@deesee6009]

This was very moving. You did John justice. RIP JM

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much, I really appreciate it!

[@bensongbenson]

I was a latecomer to this masterpiece. How did I live without it?

[@Producelikeapro]

Understood. Masterpiece

[@neebinmakwah349]

Fortunate to have seen John Martyn live 3 times, opening up for Yes first. Then with 2 different bassists, Danny Thompson and Alan Thomson, incredible voice and guitar skills, still one of my favorites🤗💓😁😎

[@Flying_turnip187]

John Martyn changed my life. I got back into music about 3 years ago and decided to find some interesting acoustic music to start off.Found he was on several lists for acoustic guitar players. I had never heard of him. I heard "Solid Air" .....my mind was completely blown away. I had never heard anyone that touched me as much as I have as much as Martyn's music has. All of his songs really speak to me. I also never cared about lyrics before, I was a melody only guy. John changed that. I really can feel what he was trying to do and feel. His songs are literally an aural map of my life. I am transported to my childhood, current day and after I am gone when I listen to his music. I had never till I heard John Martyn had a musical epiphany before. It was amazing. Thanks.

[@bh8365]

I bought Solid Air and many of John Martyn's releases. Saw him two times. Met him backstage. One of my all time go to artists when I need a real music connection.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing!!

[@damianip]

I saw John open for Yes at Madison Square Garden in 1974. His performance completely shook me. An amazing performance. The swirling echoing percussive guitar lines are still in my head. After ending his set with "I'd Rather Be the Devil" I had little care for what Yes did. I still listen to JM to this day. Yes? Not so much.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much for sharing! What an incredible experience

[@vimolmas50]

Seen John many times and Danny just sublime .No one else like him !

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! I’m a huge fan!!

[@RobBaartwijk]

I have had two bands in my life and they were both called Solid Air... John Lives ON!

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous

[@MrTimdriver]

Awesome. Thanks Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Tim!

[@colepetersonmusic]

As someone born in the 90s in America, my exposure to John Martyn has only been through the Translatlantic Sessions. I sat down and listened to the record and I was blown away. Thanks for giving me something to listen to! Good video!

[@davidnassur7202]

May you never lay your head down Without a hand to hold May you never make your bed out in the cold Thanks Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks David!!

[@coolrocknroll]

Great to hear this. First hear Solid Air in 86, it’s been a great friend ever since.

[@Producelikeapro]

Huge album for me too

[@alanthomson1227]

Timeless classic

[@crazyredd23]

John Martyn is one of a kind! FACT!

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%!

[@davidburne9477]

I bought the CD in this last year after a long period without the vinyl which was stolen at a party - obviously some bastard with taste! Just glorious.

[@IrishStewGuitar]

i saw John Martyn playing in Belfast many years ago - absolutely captivating performance :)

[@Producelikeapro]

That's amazing! Fantastic live!

[@ostrichman]

saw him Belfast many times and yep some absolutely captivating performances and some absolute horror shows but that was the chance you took going to see him, when he was on form there was no one better so you always hoped...

[@mmcdonn2]

Love John Martyn - and thanks Warren for your promotion of this one-and-only dude !

[@coloaten6682]

If there was ever an album that everyone needs to know, this is it. I actually think this guy was as good a songwriter as Lennon or McCartney. His guitar playing was masterful, he was an incredibly good musician. People should checkout his other albums too, particularly One World and Glasgow Walker. Thanks for covering this album Warren, it brings back happy memories!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Col! I appreciate your great comment!

[@kevingilhooley2064]

Saw John perform many times back around 71,72,73 with many other great artists and loved everything he did.Bought Solid Air on it's release and still have it and play it to this day.....it's utterly fabulous, and back then in 73 It was akin to musical therapy and like something surreal had entered into my music cravings.Thanks for reminding us of this gem Warren and hopefully more people will get to appreciate a truly great artist and songsmith.

[@trumskolan]

Great tribute to John Martyn! I listen to him almost everyday. Jan Jansson Drummer Sweden

[@johngrant5749]

I saw him 3 times, late 70’s,solo, late 80’s and 90’s with his band and was not disappointed. He was magic each time. I’ll revisit the album. Such a sad loss but fortunately a legacy music still with us.

[@brendanmccabe8373]

John Martyn is so brilliant nearly impossible not to get teary eyed listening to him

[@seanoflynn5180]

My absolute favourite album of all time 🤗

[@stevious7278]

Australian here. I first became aware of John Martyn when the guy who ran the import record thrust a copy of "Inside Out" into my hand and said, "You must have this". I took it home and played it...and played it again...and again...and again. That was it! I was hooked. I then bought everything I could by John, including "Solid Air". I was fortunate enough to see him play live in Sydney in 1978, and the sounds he could conjure from the ether with just a guitar, his voice and a few simple electronic gizmos is astounding; to this day (2021). My personal preference would have to go slightly toward "Inside Out" over "Solid Air".

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for your great comment! Yes, seeing John live was one of my favourite things ever!

[@joethompson11]

One of my friends got me on to John some years back, thanks for the extra context around his time in the spotlight. Great video 👍

[@777Yoni]

Thank you so much for attempting to turn on a new generation to John Martyn. FYI, there is an hour long documentary on KZbin called Johnny Too Bad that is certainly worth the viewing. Lord, I love his solo versions of "One Day Without You."

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Bruce!

[@DjangoWineHeart]

If you've never seen it check out John on Hastings beach on KZbin. Priceless

[@curtis_chip]

Just Lovely

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Curtis!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

I’m going to go listen to that album now, thanks.

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@Producelikeapro beautiful album with wonderful songs and engaging performances, great dynamics and mix, it’s just like you said. It’s a keeper.

[@AllanGildea]

This album was perhaps the most impactful one I have ever listened to. Beautiful beyond words. Thank you, Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed! Hugely important album for me too!

[@Producelikeapro]

@Zack Darce I'm sure you will go back and love it!

[@Producelikeapro]

@Zack Darce fantastic!

[@johnpbh]

Luckily I have been listening to John since 1970.... And similarly I was lucky enough to have seen him live 4 times.. all in Glasgow... all stunning evenings of John's music... HE was a true one off. Thank you for posting..

[@Producelikeapro]

That’s amazing! I only saw him once, it was wonderful

[@johnpbh]

@@Producelikeapro Something occurred to me after posting that.. you were asking about other albums to give this treatment to.... SO.. another of my favourites is Roy Harper... could you cope with giving "Stormcock" similar treatment. I do realise that Roy isn't to everyones taste but a certain S. Flavious Mecurius is prominently featured on acoustic guitar on "The Same Old Rock"... AKA - Jimmy Page.

[@catherinemuir3776]

I was blessed to see John play in the pavilion Glasgow when I was 16 many years ago .❤️

[@krisscanlon4051]

Wooooo the motherlode...wow shocked me with this pick...John Ian McGeachy Martyn was powerful...that voice.

[@Producelikeapro]

I’m a huge fan of his!! This album is on my top ten favourite albums of all time!! Edited for spelling mistake! Hah

[@TheMichaelseymour]

great LP ....guitar genius !

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%!

[@renemies78]

I got turned on to John Martyn's music when Beck covered John's song "Go Easy" in 2003. He played on and off during that year and tour. The most amazing performance for me was at the Bridge School Benefit that Neil Young does almost every year. Beck had a beautiful performance on both nights which included his cover. After that, I became obsessed and looked for John's albums. I'm a bigger fan of the "Bless The Weather" album than "Solid Air" or anything he did with his ex-wife but I'm so happy you're exposing his beautiful music to your viewers. Thank you Beck for covering that song. And thank you for making this video. Lastly, thank you John Martyn. Rest in peace and love.

[@willemmoller6736]

Excellent video, thanks Warren! I know people who became musicians and songwriters after being inspired by John Martyn. His sound on the acoustic was unique and his voice and songs were fantastic. Sorely missed

[@johncox2552]

I discovered his music by way of Richard Thompson. His name kept popping up and I by chance stumbled upon an album of traditional British folk music. Very old stuff. Very sparse. Stripped down and haunting. And then was when I discovered the importance of the song.

[@neilballard9231]

Fantastic to see John Martyn getting an airing. He's rarely ever mentioned. Which is criminal. This album has been so important to me since first hearing it, aged 14 in 1983. It truly is one of a kind. Another of his that I love is "Grace & Danger". A far more conventional/commercial/ accessible sounding record which is virtually all electric and more jazz influenced. It is still distinctly very John Martyn and features Phil Collins on drums. Not the only time he played on a JM record, as they were great friends apparently. There are many tales of John turning up for appearances often the worse for wear - he had his demons for sure. Mine is watching him mumble through 4 or 5 songs live in Amsterdam before giving up and leaving early to carry on enjoying the local delights. For me, a genius and a legend. Good stuff Warren

[@stevedean7772]

Just heard the track Solid Air by accident and was blown away. Just ordered the album and after watching this I can't wait!

[@monsirto]

Thank you! I think Johnny would love the respect you pay to all who played with him. He had a heart as big as a mountain. Such a beautiful and mysterious period in British music.

[@wesmatron]

ANOTHER of 1973's masterpieces. I'd love to see you do a video on why 1973 was the golden year for music.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, so many amazing albums from 1973!

[@wesmatron]

@@Producelikeapro The list is incredible.

[@primitivo4604]

A masterpiece.

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%!

[@francoisraphaelhelstone7761]

an understatement this is one person that hels me write poems and relax

[@Maynard0504]

this is why I'm subbed to your channel. Amazing recommendation thanks

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it!

[@alexeysmirnovguitar]

I know John Martyn through Eric Clapton's cover of "May you never", and was lucky enough to play and sing this great song in duo with my friend. It touched me deeply then. Now I have to listen to the whole album. Thank you Warren for spreading the word about great live music.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing Alexey!

[@gillesserrigny6324]

The Clapton's cover of May You Never is not very good. But they were friend and Clapton has play on J. M. record.

[@SLB4523]

Thank you. Possibly my favourite album of all time, and I have a LOT of eclectic tastes. Bowie, Bush, Eno, Pop, Devo, XTC, Eagles, Heads, Blues, Country, New Wave, Punk. But this stands tall above them all. And to hear that it was almost live is mind boggling.

[@Producelikeapro]

It’s an absolutely amazing masterpiece of an album

[@leefchapman]

Knowledge bombs left right and centre. I'm going to have to take a deep breath in to Solid Air

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Lee! You rock

[@TroubadourMusic]

Warren, thank you so much for sharing your heart and love of this artist. I am listening now. Stunning. What a privelege to discover it.

[@kenoduffy5241]

Well done Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@mariachristinadunderdale]

❤thank you vey much John Martyn is forever in my heart

[@tidawilson]

I'm 33 year old from Indonesia. Came across JM's songs a couple years back, specifically from his "Glorious Fool" album. Only discovered "Solid Air" after, and it blew me away. I felt so emotionally touched. It affected me so much I felt "richer" as a human being. It's still strange to me how music can reach your soul across borders, time, and space. Rest in peace, John. Your music lives on.

[@Fedbo]

John Martyn was the biggest inspiration on my favourite singer songwriter of our time Ben Howard, I wasn't familiar with John until I heard Ben mentioning him and looking him up it's insane how much he was influenced by him!

[@bahopp9872]

Another excellent job Warren. Thanks for posting.

[@GOGOLH]

That's Robin Williamson, not Clive Palmer. Palmer can be seen on the cover of the Incredibles' first album - legend has it that he'd nicked a couple of albums or books, which were secreted under his coat! Another great video about an incredible album!

[@ArthurStone]

Nice segue to Joan Armatrading; cool grooves with John Martyn...definitely a seminal album. Thanks : D

[@lathedog1]

Thanks Warren for spreading the word . I recall the first time hearing Solid Air in a herbally infused flat in the West End of Glasgow at christmas in 1975, Can't quite muster the right words to describe the impact his music had on me both as a musician and engineer. I was lucky enough to see him live many many times. Happy times, wonderful music. Those who don't know him, seek him out :-)

[@russellmarriott9396]

Solid Air is an amazing album. It’s my go to album for switching off from life. Thanks for doing this Warren.

[@bid84]

Ahh John, much loved by those who know his music.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! A master

[@nigelbailey4557]

I was lucky enough to see John Martyn a couple of times at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm. He was absolutely captivating - I love this album - what great times I have lived through musically.

[@rydermike33]

A wonderful video, very many thanks. I bought Solid Air when it was first released and managed to see John in concert, twice. A fantastic artist and very much missed.

[@mariodriessen9740]

How could I miss this episode of this wonderful series of albums you make?!?! Frankly, I never heard of John Martyn before, but yesterday I was talking to a psychologist, feeling sorry for myself for the fact that I had to have my right leg amputated 9,5 years ago. Four years prior to that I quit doing drugs. I was a cocaine addict for 6 or 7 years. I was and still am a musician. Writing songs, recording and performing them is more than a passion to me. It’s everything I live for. The fact that I started having problems with my leg four years after I got clean felt unfair. We all know hundreds, if not thousands of famous musicians who took more drugs in a month than I ever did in a whole year, but I didn’t know of ANY musician, not a single one of them, that had to amputate a limb because of it. I guess it was just my way of saying “how could I know? I never thought this would happen to me! And the irony of the fact that it happened when I was clean for (more than) four years”. And this psychologist said “well I think I do know one person who had to be amputated”. She told me his name and it was John Martyn. An hour ago was when I searched him up and I saw him performing the first song I ever heard him playing. And I loved it immediately! Then the KZbin algorithm suggested the same song, but recorded live in the last phase of his life. And it was still beautiful. But what moved me is the fact that I see myself in him. Both in the young version of him as well as in the man he came to be. I’m not suggesting that I compare my musical talents with his (I wish), but I think I found someone I can relate to in more ways than just musically. It emotes me. You should see me right now. And then the same KZbin algorithm send me to you. And I’ve been following your channel for years now and I certainly never miss an episode of this series of work. But for reasons I don’t understand, I HAVE missed this one. I want to thank you for doing this. Even though I haven’t watched it yet (I’m going to now!), I just know I’ll love it. I also know I probably need some tissues. Again, thank you Warren! Your work is amazing. I love you for everything you do for the community. ❤❤❤

[@dsmw7483]

Saw him play Glasgow Royal concert hall a few months before he passed. Incredible. Was the Grace and Danger tour, near the end he played solo acoustic, with one leg in a wheelchair. Not a dry eye in the house.

[@Producelikeapro]

Amazing! What a wonderful experience

[@Fontsman]

JM was at his best in a live scenario, with the Echoplex and Big Muff. Blazing away and taking you into another world.

[@stevelast5719]

Thank you for this! I worked for Island Records in the mid eighties and accompanied John on a tour through Germany and to several tv show appearances. He was the sweetest guy and after just a few days it almost felt like we were friends. His live shows were incredible and the sound was amazing. Although apart from some festivals, he sometimes only played in front of a few hundred people.

[@cass2771]

This was moving to listen to. I recall being introduced to John’s music, seduced by it, feeling the intimate connection with the music and with John himself that many here will describe, and embarking on the mission to spread the word to others. It was a delight to be one of the hundreds or thousands of people in the audience when I first saw him in my home country of Australia, where he played seemingly individually to each of us. Remarkable music, and a remarkable experience, from a remarkable person.

[@keithsparbanie2108]

If memory serves me correct, I believe I saw Martyn open for Jethro Tull. I remember being impressed with his use of echo.

[@alansouthall8221]

Oh I forgot about this album, used to spend many a hazy Sunday with this soundtracking the recovery from the weekend Thank you for this

[@richardjames323]

We'd just left "Sneaky Pete's" in Edinburgh at around three in the morning and we went back to the girls' (that we'd just met that evening) house to have a smoke as it was closer than my mate's that I was staying with and they played this amazing music saying that whatever mood you're in you can always find a John Martyn album that just suits it perfectly. They were not wrong and I'll never forget my introduction to this great musician.

[@MrNeilypops]

Thank you for this review. I was a student in the 70's and when this album came out all the cool dudes were listening and still are...❤️

[@Producelikeapro]

Amazing! Thanks ever so much

[@paulwalker2133]

I love this series. And I cannot tell you how much I love this album and feel so privileged that someone introduced me to this album. It’s so beautiful, so timeless. If you haven’t listened to it I can’t recommend it highly enough, it doesn’t need to be a rainy day in London to fully appreciate it…

[@andylindner]

For me John Martyn was a legend. So unique and real. Always true to himself. What a personality. I love all of his albums and i'm so happy to hear you talking so lovingly about him. As he died the world had lost an unique artist ! THX for this episode !

[@Bubba0874]

Thank for this video Warren! I was fortunate to see john Martyn live in an intimate setting at a bar called the edge in Toronto with Max Middleton on keyboards in support of the Some People are crazy album tour. Mind blowing! I will never forget his performance...beautiful

[@Bubba0874]

Correction...Grace and Danger Album...Some People are Crazy was on the album...

[@Producelikeapro]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing Brett!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@Bubba0874 great album!

[@liquidsolids9415]

Thanks! I’ve never heard this album so I’ll have to check it out. I appreciate you introducing this record!

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad to be able to help!

[@graxav]

I was a late comer to John Martyn while living in Southern Ireland in 2001. It hit me like I heard Astral Weeks for the first time! Introduced him to a younger Irish muso I was (and still is) close friends with - he was equally blown away. So much musicality - just comes out of every known frequency - and then add to that a message upon message of astonishing Lyrics - I also wept the day it was said, he had died - but no, like Nick - he lives on ...

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Graeme for sharing! Yes, huge fan! So glad to see new people discovering him!

[@JohnOShaughnessy]

DAMN RIGHT!!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks John! LOVE this album!

[@JohnOShaughnessy]

@@Producelikeapro yeah, he was quite a character! an outstanding songwriter and musician, a fierce drinker and stoner, stubborn but seriously funny! This album shook my world too when it came out .... didn't imagine I would ever get to see him, but he came to Ireland a lot and eventually settled there. He is also my reference for a lot of things musical and technical. He once did a whole concert on his own in liberty Hall in Dublin in 1974 or 75. I was there but I can't remember exactly when it was. He made me aware of what you could do with delays and pedals.

[@ЮрийМаштаков-й6й]

Thank you guys!! John Martyn was always one of the pillars I stay as a musician and a human being. He did so much great recordings and remained superior musician and songwriter until his last days! Good bless his soul!

[@georgedavis-stewart4225]

The album that was my introduction to John Martyn, that and a spare ticket that took me to his gig to hear it live. Very nicely rounded summary of JM and this album. Thank you.

[@danandrews5207]

A brilliant review of on of my all time fave albums. Loving your work

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much

[@somerandomhomeboy]

The Man In The Station is my favourite from Solid Air but all the songs are so good !

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed!

[@m17434]

THANK YOU for this video. An album that changed the way I listen to music is Nightclubbing by Grace Jones. It transcended boundaries; part reggae, part in English, part in French, part old school, part new wave, part disco, part European, with a very Jamaican baseline. Nightclubbing was nominated for a Grammy and is the product of the genius of Chris Blackwell fused with the spark of Grace Jones. Unbeatable.

[@patkelly8309]

He's the best x

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! He is

[@davidanthony654]

I saw John Martyn live in Sydney a couple of times in very intimate venues and I played many of his songs around the Sydney folk and wine bar scene in the 70s. He and Tim Buckley were my biggest influences and still are. The much neglected Sixto Rodriguez who was big in Australia and South Africa, but I think almost unknown in his homeland USA was another great influence of that period. All of the above deserve an episode in this series.

[@RonZabrocki]

Thank you for this! Never heard of him! Will be checking this out!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Ron! I'm sure you will be a fan!

[@KB-os6lh]

Thankyou!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank YOU!!

[@NickPilmeyer]

Ow fuck yeah! This dude is a hidden gem. When I found out about him I was surprised this was not a household name.

[@Producelikeapro]

I agree! Huge fan!

[@jppagetoo]

I came to this album only 10 years ago. I was turned on to it by a fellow music lover. I asked "Why have I not heard this before? It is amazing!" Some things take the right moment to come to you and this is one of those albums. A masterpiece.

[@paulholmes6910]

My top ten too!

[@Producelikeapro]

You have great taste!!

[@jcaoskarma]

Loving that Pharoah fact! And seeing Dave Mattacks, one of my fav drummers ever. May John Martyn and this masterpiece resonate forever.Thanks from Spain, Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Jorge! Agreed, Dave is an amazing talent!

[@geroffmilan3328]

YES!!!! Finally seeing a music channel credit this man. Next up, Nick Drake?

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Geoff! Yes, Nick is definitely on the list!

[@markgatland977]

This was a definite Denmark St Saturday morning staple to get going ❤️

[@patrickbutler5389]

Warren you’ve done it again!!!! This album is one of my all time favorites…thank you so much….John had a sad and tragic life but those albums (don’t forget Bless the Weather!!) are simply transcendent…videos like this will ensure his stuff stays out in the conversation…thanks man…

[@buzzwashere1]

Michael Hedges beautifully covered "May You Never" when he played bars around Baltimore in the late 70's. He was a big fan of Martyn as I understand it.

[@splashesin8]

I just went for a listen. It has a lot of the funk sound that I like. 😊

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! Thanks Audrey!