British guitarist analyses John Martyn's subtle excellence live in 1973

[@balbrennyfife5629]

John Martyn is one of the most underrated musicians of the last century.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

He is indeed - and a real treasure trove of superb music!

[@ksmyth999]

But not by other guitarists or, as in my case, would be guitarists.

[@richardichard4237]

To say underrated would imply that he had been rated badly. So no, not underrated, just overlooked perhaps, but he never sought the limelight....Again not underrated at all, just overlooked or perhaps eclipsed by larger egos. However, those who know his genius know he was in a class of his own....

[@mrqwerty65]

No. Just don’t even go there. Why would you say that? Who under rates him? I certainly don’t. Don’t defend him just enjoy the absolute experience that is John Martyn. I have since 1973. Wish I could have known of his work earlier.

[@mrqwerty65]

@@richardichard4237 You are 100% correct sir.

[@robbyt.5258]

It's about 35 years ago that he gave a concert in Cologne, Germany. Since he was unknown in germany at the time, there were about 20 people there besides me. When he came on stage he smiled at the few people and said thank you for being there, you still get the full program, no matter if 20 or 20 thousand .Later we sat with him on stage as he played.And what can I say it was an unforgettable great concert what a musician and fine guy. Thinking back on it makes me feel sentimental. Robby

[@denisallard8985]

I remember John Martyn opening for Yes in the mid 70's. I had no idea who he was but after 5 minutes of his set the restless crowd became quiet and mesmerized by his hypnotic sound.

[@beemelonhead1]

Sounds like a dream.

[@gillesserrigny6324]

Exactely the same thing at Paris Olympia . He was in the first part of Traffic. John, arrived alone, unknow for the majority of the audience, few whistles. But in five minutes hé had put all the people in his pocket.

[@DavidGraeberWasRight]

Sorry that you then had to sit through Yes

[@caroles140]

Really?

[@TheMarkEH]

How privileged people of my generation were to have artists like John, giving us music like this, in our teens. It was like winning a musical lottery without even knowing it.

[@martinmcdonald4207]

Born in 1962 i know where you are coming from. We were the privileged generation indeed.

[@buzzbabyjesus]

A friend hipper than me turned me onto "Solid Air", the album featuring this song, in 1973. It has remained a favorite ever since. I heard "May You Never", tonight while making dinner.

[@surrealmadrid7971]

Much of the Album including this song and solid air were written about his best friend Nick Drake

[@JohnnyBouchier]

I have been a huge John Martyn fan, all the way back to London Conversation. I saw him live several times, including when he was in a wheelchair at The Roundhouse in London in 2007, two years before he died. I currently live 2 minutes walk from where he was born, near New Malden. A real loss when he died.

[@lynndow3185]

He draws you in so easily! (Ha! I did Google the lyrics as soon as I got confused, because he made me want to know!) All the moving parts don't seem apparent at first, like a swan gliding along, paddling madly under the surface. Thanks for shining a light on all those parts!

[@kingrobert1st]

Reading the comments I'm surprised to se so many people have never heard of him. He ranks up there with Michael Hedges and Nick Drake. A true virtuoso who inspired many guitarists in the 70's. R.I.P. John Martyn.

[@jimmycampbell78]

I am very surprised many people have never heard of him. Very important artist in Britain but he’s not ultra commercial and I am guessing he did not get that commercial success in North America. Eric Clapton and Phil Collins were huge admirers.

[@suzannerobbins6293]

I was listening to The Carpenters, and Barry Manilow at the time, and I honestly don’t remember him as a popular artist! He may have been one that just slipped past me...glad Phil allows us to go back!

[@sportsmediaamerica]

I'm a musician and a Boomer -- and had never heard of him till recently, after discovering Davy Graham and other Brit folk pickers from late '50s/early '60s.

[@kingrobert1st]

@@sportsmediaamerica Don't worry - I'd never heard of a boomer until a few days ago!

[@PeteAxeShields]

It is scary how many people ( especially fellow musicians / guitarists ) have never heard of John Martyn. I have been a huge fan since I was a young lad ( and I'm 60 years old now ) His work with his best pal and phenomenal double bass player, Danny Thompson, is one of the greatest ( THE greatest, in my opinion ) natural duo's of all time. Their musical understanding was simply astounding. R.I.P John Martyn x

[@debravirden7130]

Great vocals. His guitar playing is impeccable with lyrics that are a poet's dream. You can hear a calypso beat both in the guitar and his singing delivery.

[@debishaw9355]

Debra Virden , a poet’s dream for sure..

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

I haven’t heard of him either,which is another wonderful introduction to a beautiful soul,and unique style. It’s sad that he’s passed . His music will live on,thanks to people like you Fil, you are the reason why these beautiful souls are not forgotten. Thanks so very much indeed.❤️!

[@themroc8231]

John Martyn was an absolute genius, and Solid Air and Bless the weather are two masterpieces. Plus when you listen to his albums you are actually listening to two geniuses jamming together because then you have him and his best friend Danny Thompson (who played in Pentangle and then with Bert Jansch, Nick Drake, Donovan, Kate Bush, Talk Talk, Peter Gabriel, John McLaughlin...) on the double bass.

[@goodun2974]

Themroc, You forgot to mention Richard Thompson, with whom Danny, no relation, has worked and toured with a lot over the years.

[@gregm3406]

Solid air is about his friend Nick Drake

[@royferguson3909]

I never knew that. thanks for sharing

[@gregm3406]

@@royferguson3909 yea I learned that by listening to this version. I also read that Nick wrote Northern Sky while staying with John and Beverly Martyn while looking out his kitchen window at the ocean. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXa8l4GhmtxmbsU

[@grahamlockley4435]

As a Bass player I find it hard to disassociate John from Danny, two peas in a pod and such a wonderful sound. The Transatatlantic Sessions version of Solid Air has never been bettered.

[@suehollar2578]

Another new (to me) artist to look into. He sounds wonderful. I love his voice.

[@johnpbh]

Great breakdown of a great song.... I was lucky enough to see John 4 times over the years... One of them was the Grace and Danger tour... When I looked at the layout of the stage I noticed that the drum kit was set up with a left hand hi-hat..... I got awfully excited but it wasn't to be... it wasn't Phil... Just being in some lovely theatres with John providing the music was magical.. Keep on Rocking...

[@joannebeauchamp1169]

Fil...You made my day! Your analysis of the incredibly talented John Martyn was SPOT ON! John could do it ALL...he could sing, write songs and play guitar BETTER than virtually anyone! “May You Never” was one of his finest compositions. P.S. Eric Clapton (as you mentioned) was a BIG fan of John’s, even including one of John’s songs on one of his albums. John Martyn, in the past, never truly got the recognition he deserved. Maybe now he will...

[@paulkossak7761]

Discovered him on the television series "Trans Atlantic " sessions. He was great.

[@dylanvine]

Great that you introduced John Martyn to a number of people who have never heard of him. You are in for a musical treat. Enjoy.

[@FlesYm80]

One of my, asbolute, best guitarist! I love John Martyn! Thanks for the sharing...☮️🙏🏻

[@andrewfitzsimons8509]

One of the greatest ! I remember where I was when I heard the news , I cried.

[@valq10]

My mum turned me onto him a few months ago when I asked for music recommendations. LOVE HIM. There's a subtle aura of pain even when he's not singing anything explicitly sad. These solo guitarists/singers like him and Joni Mitchell really are something else. To produce complex music to hold a crowd with just your voice and a single instrument, and to adjust it at any moment on a creative whim. Incredible! My mum's great taste proven as always lol

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Yes, I tend to put him in the same category as Joni Mitchell (who I discovered at roughly the same time). Both ridiculously talented musicians.

[@richardking3206]

Yes, I was working with a guy I didn’t know in ‘74, but we did a swap. He introduced me to John Martyn, who I went on to see perform at every opportunity. I introduced him to Joni Mitchell. What an exchange! I only ever saw Joni live once from the very back of Wembley Arena, sadly. I’ve still never seen anyone vaguely like John, and I don’t expect to. I enjoyed your analysis of John’s playing even though I don’t and most of it went straight over my head. I always notice his playing, and did here. I have one complaint, you didn’t even mention my favourite album, the extraordinary, beautiful album One World. There isn’t an album I’ve heard that I don’t like by him, but One World takes the biscuit for me. It just works as a whole brilliantly. I’d beg anyone to listen to it when ‘present’ and actively giving it attention. Gorgeous.

[@attractawalsh9483]

I loved this doc. So informative and the guy's so obvious genuine enthusiasm. More please!

[@richardfinlayson1524]

ive been listening to SOLID Air LP a fair bit lately, this is one of my favorited, just magic.

[@jimandlizhudson2501]

Thank you for bringing John Martyn some more recognition.He is one of the greatest originals of modern music.

[@andypammenter8528]

I didn't realise you had done this, I first heard John in 77 when I was at school, first saw him at Glastonbury in 79, it was wonderful he played small hours as it rained gently on us. I had a bin bag with a hole cut in it for my head to keep the rain off. Saw him again many times in London and the Cambridge folk festival. He wrote some of the most genuinely moving, tender songs of love and friendship but was so flippant and dismissive of them in n performance. He was a true genius with a tragic genius for living :-)

[@primalengland]

Loved John and followed his gigs around the 80s. This is incredibly special to me. It’s mine and my daughter’s little love you song.

[@louisb5563]

I never heard of him, I'm a bit disappointed for I see that he passed a little over a decade ago. I like his style, great coordination of his singing and playing. Great analysis Fil! Thanks for introducing him.

[@suzannerobbins6293]

Hi Fil! This was a new one to me, but that is one great thing about your channel...you give us such different genres that we can learn about artists we may find new to us! Thanks for this talented guy! So glad I took a listen! Enjoy your weekend! ✌️

[@kyotocoversjimanderson782]

Great choice and analysis, as ever. I had the privilege of seeing him in concert around this time, and a few more times right up until his final tour. It would be wonderful to see an analysis of one of JM's Echoplex masterpieces, like Big Muff, or I'd Rather Be The Devil.

[@markmiwurdz202]

Good call sir! John's performance of "I'd Rather Be The Devil" live from The Old Grey Whistle Test is mesmerising. The World needs to see and hear more of John Martyn.

[@Macilmoyle]

The version of Big Muff with Danny Thompson from the Transatlantic Sessions is incredible (as are the takes on May You Never and Solid Air recorded for the same series) kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4PMlZSphLmEq5o kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZnQhIOsYtenibM kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXOzhah3oZeEr80

[@simply_psi]

Fil I am so pleased you have dissected this great song by an incredible talent, this is one of my favourite songs of all time, I was fortunate enough to see John live a few times, a couple of times with the equally legendary Danny Thompson, thank you for introducing so many new people to his work, I hope they all go and check out more of this great mans work.

[@sankalpabhattarai8616]

So hypnotic, so mesmerizing

[@lonh6744]

I remember hearing that Eric Clapton had said how fantastic JM was and basically miles ahead of everyone. So glad I discovered him and a whole bunch of other artists from simply buying an Elton John bootleg called "Nick Drake Sessions " Discovered Nick Drake, John Martyn, and on to a whole bunch of British folk artists that I didn't know existed...Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Richard and Linda Thompson, Sandy Denny, The Strawbs, and probably more from that connection. He was called the one man Pink Floyd for his mastery of the echoplex. He was a genius, and, like Nick Drake, will only go on to gain popularity with time. I've turned many on to John Martyn. He was fantastic!

[@aprilflowers6074]

Thank you for highlighting this wonderful musician, one of my favorites he deserves so much more attention

[@mollyyerrakadu5808]

Thank you for featuring John Martyn, one of my favourites. Saw him live solo in Toronto in the late 80s: brilliant!

[@BOOMNERD51]

I loved this performance and had never heard John Martyn. I too, must look him up to hear more! Thanks, Fil!

[@papercup2517]

I don't suppose you'll read this, Fil, since I've been away from this channel for a while and am therefore a little late to this particular party, but I just wanted to say a huge thank you for this John Martyn analysis. I'd been asking for a while, I remember, trying my best to tempt you... Turns out you put up this video the day before my birthday last year, so I had a huge smile on my face listening to my 'late birthday present'... :-) I was lucky enough to be one a crowd of local freaks (as we called ourselves back then) who crammed into the upstairs room of a dingy pub in the Old Town of Hastings, where John and Beverley were living in '73, when Solid Air was released. John had put the word out he'd be giving a free concert, word of mouth only, to allow him to run through the entire Solid Air album before an audience, to make sure everything was working (including the EchoPlex with some home-made additions IIRC) to make sure he could actually reproduce the sound off the record, fully, before taking it out on tour for the album launch. So we may have been the first to hear that magical album, live, in its entirety, up close and personal with the man himself. Needless to say, John was on top form and gave a perfect performance as we all just sat, spellbound, at the sounds, melodies and images each song captured..an unforgettable evening. I seem to remember vaguely May You Never becoming a bit of a hippy anthem for us at the time, for the way it seemed to sum up the Love and Peace values of the era. Everyone knew everyone back then; the guy who rented our basement did the pen and ink drawing for the inside cover (IIRC) of Inside Out, John's follow-up album... and he sat next to me at the bar of the Lord Nelson once, courteously offering to buy me a drink. Incredible artist, unusual character, I adore his music but found him a little scary personally, and he treated his lovely wife Beverley abominably, I'm sorry to say. We did hear the rumours at the time, and could hardly believe it. But she still bore the injuries from John's violent drunken (etc) excesses decades later.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem! Thanks, I read all the comments too 🙂

[@giggstrafford1]

One man,One guitar,One life...WOW..Great analysis and passion😎😎

[@laurenmusso4719]

I still have his albums from the 70’s - scratched and well played - recorded them onto CD’s years and years ago - was listening to one this morning 2024 - still one of the best musicians

[@andystansfield1956]

Saw this performance on TOGWT and went out and bought Solid Air next day. Remains a firm favourite today. Saw him live many times and his album output before Solid Air and after have given me many keepers. Glad some people are finding him for the first time. So much to explore. RIP Big Man.

[@vicomtedelomagne]

Saw him in Putney mid-70's, and bought him a pint before the gig as he was in the bar! Half-Moon IIRC

[@tomrott5333]

Saw him at Half Moon, early 90s !!! Met after the show. The support act was ...YES! ...his ex-wife, Beverly !!!

[@martinmcdonald4207]

Great video Fil on a lovely gentle genius of a man. I first came across John Martyn with the 1980 album `Grace and Danger`. `Sweet Little Mystery` is just a classic track and his own interpretation of ` Somewhere Over The Rainbow` shows his beautiful gentle vocal. I saw him in the `80`s in The National Stadium in Dublin and i still rate that gig as one of the best live performances i have ever been privileged to experience. May he R.I.P. Might i add just like the late great John Prine, John Martyn made a home for himself here in Ireland and just like Prine he was welcomed with open arms. Slainte.

[@rackpunch4026]

I love your analyses, I haven't the foggiest Idea what you're talking about but your enthusiasm and musical knowledge is so impressive. One of the greatest songs of the era. Thank you.

[@promerops]

Great analysis, Fil. Very good to see John Martyn getting this recognition - I see, below, that some had not been familiar with John's work - so, you have done them a service. Suggestions (well, you did ask!): Nic Jones, Martin Carthy, Martin Simpson, Richard Thompson, Bert Jansch, John Renbourne. That should keep us going for a while! Thanks.

[@ianlaker9161]

Brilliant analysis of one of my great musical heroes. John never really courted fame and as a result is not as well known as his genius deserved. He influenced so many and his ambient echoplex style is evident in The Edge's guitar sound as well as Portishead. I saw him live many times over the years and was so sad (but not surprised) when he passed. He certainly had his demons but left a great legacy. One essential album was missed here though - One World (between Sunday's Child and Grace and Danger). One of his greatest. More analysis videos of John please! Perhaps some with the great Danny Thompson on double bass, his partner in crime!

[@twwtjohns]

John Martyn proves that a voice is as much an instrument as anything you can play.

[@mikeferrett5752]

Genius no wonder fellow musicians have been influenced by him

[@Shinken69]

He wanted his voice to sound like Coltrane’s sax.

[@twwtjohns]

@Shinken69 He succeeded, and that was amazing.

[@debishaw9355]

Love his style and his words.... very cool... I didn’t know him either, but I really could sit and listen to these kinds of songs for a long, long while. I’m going to look him up..

[@joelbreiman6101]

Phil, thanks so much for your very thoughtful analysis of the esteemed John Martyn, for me the artist that put so much soul in folk music as to change the game.

[@MyMags8]

Thank you Fil, you just made my night! John Martin was genuine genius musician, I had the absolute honor of seeing him live at least 4 times, each time was pure heart & soul joy, my memories of him re ignited whenever I listen to his music or watch videos. If I had to pick favorite songs (which truly is difficult) those that spring immediately to mind are Solid Air, One World & Johnny be Good all are especially excellent live. Thanks for explaining his guitar technics, I’m not a musician but at least with your great teachings I get to understand how John created such special sounds...his lyrics were always astonishing too 👏👏👏💖

[@AntonyFleck]

Love the Man, a troubled beautiful musical Genius Caught him many times live always conjured up a Sonic storm, just the man and his guitar! One I remember at a still free Glastonbury Festival 77/78 ? Incredible!!...

[@nigelbailey4557]

I was lucky to see John live several times in the early 70's - he had a gift of completely hypnotisinig the audience - time stood still when he played, a complete magician.

[@seanmcintosh8201]

Hello. I just want to say that I love the video. I have been a fan of John Martyn since 2016. Even though I am sad he passed away, I am grateful for the music he left behind. Keep up the good work. Peace and respect from the USA.

[@alambster]

Not heard of him but like his voice and style of singing. Will have to look him up. Thank you.

[@tonyanderton3521]

Alambster, I've been listening to John Martyn since 1972. If you want the benefit of my listening experience, in my opinion his best album is Bless The Weather - a really chilled-out experience full of great songs. If you like that then you can try the also excellent, Solid Air, Sunday's Child, and One World. Best wishes and good luck.

[@quemades]

I met John Martyn back in 1988 just as he was arriving to set up n sound check at a local club opposite our rehearsal rooms. I first came across his music thanks to a hippy mate in 1972 who played me his two albums with Beverly, and like most people was entranced. Outside the club we hailed him down, he was unmistakeable, and he started chatting to us like we were childhood mates. All I will say about him is he was one of the warmest, friendliest people I have ever met. A very down to earth legend. Martyn is in the same league as that other giant of British homegrown music, also seriously under rated, the late and great Ronnie Lane.

[@bellesmom238]

IT was great to be a hippie in the 70s ,Thanks Fil

[@kensod6034]

I love his fret action... His hammer pull off... Runs are incredible... Thanks professor His vocals are amazing... He's like jim Croce and his lead guitarist all rolled up into one... Smooth... Rock 🎸

[@abbydubois3112]

Stunning performance! Thanks for bringing my very distant memory of him back. I'm going to have to look him up and hear some more,

[@lorellstoneman74]

Thanks, Fil, He makes it look so easy....looked up lyrics to get the words better....but it was interesting and a song I've never heard. Thanks again. Have a great day.

[@mdavis2727]

Wow! I never heard of him before. This was just beautiful. That voice is so smooth and the guitar is mesmerizing.

[@geoffreyhardy1617]

Saw him at the Londonderry Sunderland. Only about 40 people there but he played his heart out and was brilliant. He engaged the audience and was as funny as owt. Shared a spliff too. Genius.

[@jeanier7185]

This was great, and Yes I can see how complicated the guitar work is! And love the lyrics and a nice relaxed voice too!. Yet I have never heard of him before this video. Thanks for another informative introduction to a late great artist, Fil.

[@ksmyth999]

I saw John first at a concert he gave, in I think it must have been, 1967, at the Chelsea College of Science and Technology where I was studying maths. It was opposite Chelsea Arts College and people would sometimes confuse the two. I had just started to learn to play acoustic guitar myself and had already come across one or two of the many excellent guitarists trying to make a living in London. He must have been 18 or 19 at the time and totally knocked me out with his speed and originality. The first albums of both John Martyn and his older contemporary Bert Jansch had material that could be copied by a relatively inexperienced player. But this did not last long as you have rightly pointed out. You could see he mastered a technique some quite well known guitarists had taken a lifetime to perfect, within a few years. Although one could follow the progression, at least twice I got the impression he had thought, OK I have done that, let's try something completely different. A truly remarkable, but rather troubled and sometimes violent, man and artist.

[@SsmCollins-xo3xc]

You should give the live couldn't love you more vocal ( with the fascinating drunk daft jokey intro) ...I've heard loads n loadsa vocals over the years but nothimg quite l8ke this ..the roar in his voice sends shivers down ma back bone brother ...about 2 mins or so in it's stunning ...big fuzzy bear growl howl stuff ...give it s listen you won't regret it sir ...the recorded versh is ok but this is the one for me

[@jeffreyebasta]

#Fil thank you for everything you did and said in this video I'm sure you love John Martyn's music as I do The first time I heard his voice... I was 11 years old and I'm still listening to his music with deep gratitude 💛

[@ciarakristos111]

John Martyn is such a special, unforgettable talent. ❤His music is so soothing and comforting to listen to. You can really hear his influence in musicians such as John Smith (who played support to John in the mid-2000s).

[@juliamaitland7160]

My favourite musician of my youth and has stayed with me. A great musician, song writer and a fabulous voice from his early folk days to his latter jazz based days and all points in between

[@markkeohane9850]

'May you never lay your head down, without a hand to hold'. What a line. Spotify came up with this track for me one day. I'd not heard it before and confess to not being aware of JM before then. My ear was captured by that line. It makes me well up a bit. I'll occasionally fall asleep holding my wife's hand so to me the line symbolises love and its importance. I also 'play' guitar so I can appreciate JM's ability. I learned to play Lindsey Buckingham's 'Never Going Back Again' but this would be another step, especially with a vocal. (While watching, I was thinking the same as you: 'it would be satisfying enough just to play the guitar piece, let alone adding the incredible vocal') Thanks for an entertaining and informative vid, Fil, and for raising JM's profile.

[@johnlyon326]

Saw him fairly often through the 70s and, for the last time, somewhere in the mid 80s at Euston Station in London. You can/could exit the station at the side and come out on a bridge overlooking a service road below. I was on the bridge and he was below carrying two guitar cases - one an Ovation, which I've never seen him play. He sat on that, got the Martin out of the other and began to play. I raced down the stairs to listen and got there just in time to see a van pull up and the guitar go back in the case. Should have stayed and listened from above. Oh well.

[@bernardh9994]

Met John in the 70s. One of those exceptional musicians and personalities who turn up once a decade. His artistic and technical talent, his passion and creative ability and independent thinking left us with a special legacy. It was also unfortunately his downfall. RIP John..

[@artysqueezy184]

I knew him through my brother who was 10 years older than me and also sadly passed away around 10 years ago. He loved John Martyn and I grew to through listening to him as a child. Solid Air was his favourite. Lovely singer/player

[@jamesbrown9130]

Thanks for this. John Martyn was on another plane of musical consciousness. And that cat could swing. All feel and soul.

[@DevonExplorer]

Brilliant! I love John Martyn's work. I bought his first album back in the day, which sadly went the way of a lot of stuff from your youth! It amazes me how many of us went to art college either before, during or after playing in a band during the early 70s. This brings back a lot of fab memories. :)

[@lwalters1951]

Saw him at the Crucible in Sheffield in the 80s. Epic..."Solid Air" and this song from it is just so good there're no words to describe it. It will accompany me through my entire life. Understated relaxed greatness.

[@benpowersguitar]

Beautiful music. Always great when you have music I am not familiar with. Great stuff Fil. Thanks.

[@lesmcnabney1761]

I remember watching this as a callow youth, when it was first aired. Naturally, my parents hated it. Enjoyed it and your analysis.

[@nickloughrey9841]

Heard him first on Whistle Test and never forgot it . One of those moments in your life !

[@markmiwurdz202]

Great analysis Fil! I can only describe John Martyn as peerless. I started listening to John back in the 1970's after hearing the tracks "Big Muff" and "Dealer" from the album "Solid Air". It's a shame he had such a troubled life, but maybe that's what inspired his music. I remember reading that some years before he died, he had to have one if his legs amputated below the knee due to an untreated rupture in his knee joint. Needless to say, John carried on performing from a wheelchair until his other health issues limited his live work. John Martyn died too soon, but left us all of his music. Loved his singing style because to me he really used it as another instrument. Fil, maybe in the fullness of time you will re-visit John's music and analyse "I'd Rather Be The Devil" live which I think is from the same session as this from the OGWT. Thanks again Fil. Stay safe.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I had the privilege of seeing John Martyn live at Newcastle City Hall in the early 90s. This was during his ‘Weather Report’ era - and he had a phenomenal band behind him. However, part way through he was handed a spliff and he treated us to an acoustic set. Wow! It was quite brilliant. I particularly like his echo-plex acoustic sets from the early to mid 70s - ‘Big Muff’ is a particular favourite. A unique, and much missed talent. God speed Big John! My album recommendations? Bless The Weather, Live At Leeds, Solid Air, One World, Glorious Fool, Foundations (a live album from the mid 80s), and Cooltide. Must buy Grace And Danger at some point!

[@janhughes7786]

At the age of 17 I was working the summer in The Shetlands and my friends took me to a ( The) John Martyn gig. I have had a love affair with his music ever since. Much missed ❤

[@dalem8332]

Absolute EXCELLENCE!! Enough said. Thanks Fil for remembering a GREAT talent. Excellent analysis!😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦

[@stevegibbons8941]

Love Johns records, and this is a great track, I think from Solid Air, John had this fantastic voice and such intricate timing and fret work - Fantastic - at the same time tragic - great bloke, top analysis again Fil - really your a true pro - cheers!!!

[@jimandlizhudson2501]

I saw him a few times in early and then later days. Pure genre crossover magic. One of the greatest composers and musicians of British music.

[@alexjones6481]

Thanks for reminding what an excellent song this is!

[@d.-_-.b]

Incredible break down of how much work he's putting in to the song and I loved learning more of his bio. I'll put a request in to analyse *Nathan Cavaleri* who struggled coping with early fame as a guitarist from the age of 10.

[@marieogara1036]

Hi there WOP (I don't know your name)? I came across your channel a few times, really enjoyed the way you explore the music and history. I loved your analysis of Bing Crosby. Now, I'm watching you enjoy the incredible John Martyn, I clicked your site and see you've done Joe Jackson too!!! From smooth to soul, then to raw. Really intelligent and in depth from what I've seen so far. I'm subscribing now. Kindest regards from a 70 year old in Ireland .

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@paulsaxo8754]

Saw JM about half a dozen times from 1975 on - mainly, small intimate venues. He always overran - multiple encores, the crowd didn't want him to stop. Unique guitarist, gorgeously haunting (often tortured) lyrics, wonderful vocal quality and control. One of a handful of musicians who died (along with John Lennon, Little Richard, Prince, Aretha, Steve Marriott, Lou Reed) whose death I really felt.

[@mariorabottini5687]

He’s new to me Fil....but I really enjoyed listening to him! Melodic guitar work with great vocals! Brilliant! Cheers Mario! 😀👌🤘

[@brysonmacdougal7898]

This is the kind of music I gravitated to in the '70s

[@daf827]

Thanks for awakening me to JM’s music. I listened to many of his contemporaries on the Brit folk scene, including Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Nick Drake and Richard Thompson, so Martyn slipped through the cracks for me. I will pay closer attention.

[@ipsurvivor]

Great guitarist and singer who was also close friends with the also great and late great Nick Drake.

[@GFEBMX]

if you know anything about nick drake no one was close with nick

[@harrylittle6806]

@@GFEBMX john martyn was...

[@GFEBMX]

@@harrylittle6806 he was friends with him yes. but nick was really distant from everyone he was a bit of an enigma even to those that knew him

[@eamisagomey]

@@GFEBMX Did they not take him in to live with them for a time? When Nick was particularly down?

[@papercup2517]

@@eamisagomey Yes, they did. He stayed with them in Hastings, Sussex (on the south coast of England for non-UK people) at their house in Coburg Place, overlooking the grey English Channel. They were very fond of him I believe, and took care of him, and did their best to help him. Whether or not that counts as being close to him, I don't know.

[@barbaradownie3265]

FIRST TIME HEARING HIM. LOVE HIS STYLE 😍😍😍

[@simonhodgetts6530]

You mentioned Live At Leeds! I’m going to play it later while enjoying a nice bottle of red! Good shout!

[@covers_girl]

One World is a classic album, some of it recorded outside, achieving an ethereal sound. Listened to a recent UK podcast Word in Your Ear talking to Graeme Thompson who recently wrote a bio of John Martyn called Small Hours (a great tune from the One World album). Anyone that likes Nick Drake may enjoy Martyn's music.

[@fredkay7595]

In my top 20 tracks of all time.Superlative 👌👌👌

[@jayjaytailor]

He was a genius but a very complex man. A friend of mine's partner used to own a pub in Rye which John frequented; he told me that John was a mean and nasty man, which shocked me to the core. I loved his music and voice; this information kind of tarnished what I'd imagined him to be. I often play the album Solid Air when I'm alone in the car. He also wrote the theme tune to the Anthony Hopkins film '84 Charing Cross Road'; that is such a beautiful song. Thanks Fil!

[@MostlyBuicks]

One of my favorite albums is his covers album, The Church With One Bell. It is an audiophile's delight.

[@paulinestraker8656]

Thank you so much Fil. John Martyn has always been on of my favourites, a rare talent. Can I suggest Gil Scott Heron, Black Oak Arkansas (hey y'all) and Talk Talk. Another from the Marshall Tucker Band would be great too!

[@johnrburr]

He was able to play almost automatically, which is highlighted here, and was shown particularly one time I saw him in Aberdeen. He was so drunk that he fell off the stage - but didn't miss a note!!

[@baltimoreravens1515]

I was your first like again getting good at it great video and analysis no surprise

[@moseskelly19]

I first saw john at genesis six of the best All day in the rain But halfway through john played And a lifetime of pleasure And saw him many times all over the country Much loved and missed R I p john one love

[@hirepgym6913]

I was a roady in some of the biggest rock bands and they saw John Martyn as "The Musicians Musician" someone they all wanted to back on stage even though they were Stars Clapton, Collins, Speedy , Gilmore it was an honour to them but he never needed them hecould do it all on his own.

[@hirepgym6913]

Funny thing was John Martyn , Bert Janch and John Renbourne all used to hassle my flat mate Peanut Mann to play with them

[@rusynlig1]

My first ever listening to John Martyn, was I'd Rather Be The Devil, an old Blues Classic by Blind Willie Johnson, from the same performance as this. the best version of the song i ever heard!

[@georgemcelroy3058]

Thank you! This was great, both the music and your analysis. Please consider an analysis of Inside Out off of the DVD The Man Upstairs. John at his psychedelic best!! I never got to see JM live, but this DVD (The Man Upstairs) changed my musical life. I think he may be the best guitarist to ever play.

[@hamishincrieff]

spot on