John Martyn - Small Hours (1978)

John Martyn at Reading University singing Small Hours from 'One World' 20/10/1978

[@BobNJohnson]

Thanks. John opened for Pink Floyd in 1973. A guy walks out, sits down, and announces, "I'm the warm up band." We started booing. Then he starts playing through Floyd's surround sound in an open air stadium. When he's through we were shouting for more. This guy single-handedly blew a few thousand impatient minds, and I've never forgotten that night. By the way Pink Floyd was touring Dark Side of the Moon, they were young and powerful, one of the best concerts I've ever heard.

[@nozzaboy316kid]

Just after Solid Air had been released 2 both in there primes mental luck person

[@dereknezza-ru2hr]

He was a cool dude. This song is bliss.

[@dereknezza-ru2hr]

I think my mother went to see pink floyd at Earl’s Court about 25 years ago .

[@34hedgehog]

Did exactly the same thing to me at Glastonbury in 1984. Guy walks out on his own, just a Les Paul gold top. My memory of it is stood off to the left of the main stage, in front of the PA. He played 'Solid Air' and I just flipped. Never heard anything like it.

[@raymondwilliams2609]

What major moves have you made in society lately ? Let's dig deep in to Rockefeller, let's dig deep into Morgan ? Who new J. D Morgan was a pedophile ?

[@oscargustaverejlander.]

Played this at my father's funeral. A sunny day in April. The sun shining through the stain glass windows onto his coffin. Stillness. Only four of us there. Incredibly sad. But incredibly beautiful.

[@karlbartlett7182]

The whole of humanity were there, we just don't see it. This song connects us all

[@amandabriggs6880]

🥰🙏

[@EloiseMwahaha]

[@rosedragon]

❤

[@conniesaurin1783]

All time favourite song. Makes me feel strong when I'm weak and weak when I'm strong. So sad he's gone but he'll never be forgotten. Thank you Mr Martyn for being there.

[@finleyg24]

this is probably the amazing and true comment Ive ever seen on a KZbin video, thanks ☺

[@conniesaurin1783]

It's an amazing song

[@finleyg24]

+Connie Saurin truly :)

[@cidmarcus5740]

Connie Saurin ú

[@patrickwhite8144]

Well put.

[@UkMagicz]

Simply one of the greatest artists to ever exist. Nothing more needs to be said about this man.

[@rosedragon]

Amen ❤❤❤❤❤

[@georgedouglas8048]

nose broken waiting at a bus stop in Edinburgh going to a party. trying to get on the fuckin bus got to the party face like a balloon went to lie down in one of the bedrooms and this started .a bottle god knows what later cant forget this this track

[@joshuajarman]

The songs of John Martyn can draw tears from the eyes of a lion

[@audleynick]

Yes Joshua

[@JordanIndiePop]

Damn good analogy. 💙

[@arctichare8185]

draw tears from a lion's glass eye, no less.

[@judeirwin2222]

But then, so can a thorn in the paw. Cryin' lion. Nice one.

[@AntonyFleck]

Indeed, this Man makes me cry every time !.. But the're Healing tears!! .Have loved the Man's music for Decades!!..

[@JackT13]

I never understood the beauty of this song until it came on shuffle when I was having a bad trip. The anxiety and fear melted away almost instantly

[@robst247]

It had exactly the same warming and calming effect on me while I was having one of several bad acid trips back in the late '70s. How I hate LSD; how I love John Martyn's music of the late '70s. Hell and heaven.

[@powdfing]

@@robst247 Red Stars by any chance? Had a similiar experience, think it was while hearing Joy Division's Unknown Pleasure for the 1st time while on them, got into a really bad place, but I remember Small Hours making it all cool again.

[@robst247]

@@powdfing I no longer know what they were, nor do I care. I bade a bitter farewell to drugs several decades ago, but I still enjoy hearing and playing heartwarming and soul-healing music every day -- the most powerful drug there is. :-)

[@TurnerWho]

Literally why I’m here lmao, turned a really chill body high to the most euphoric experience of my life

[@michaelkane6883]

This reminds me of the plastic coffee lid that has been trampled on hundreds of times at the entrance of the subway station. Sad, lonesome -- yet so resilient.

[@MrMerlin87]

brilliant comment

[@seanwaters3668]

nice..

[@AlexJ4d]

Go Ducks

[@TullesP]

Poetic apt comment, cheers!

[@thecatholicnetwork1167]

I was at this very gig, and many others by the incredible, insanely talented JM! This song carried me safely through so many dark bedsit days in my youth. I'm 64 now and still give thanks for having none this remarkable man and his music. Probably the best song ever crafted by anyone. Not a day goes by that I don't miss ya, John.

[@stephenbuckley5818]

You’re lucky I would have loved to have been there

[@rosedragon]

Amen ❤

[@hastobe303]

When I listen to Small Hours, I see it not as a song. It's more like a feeling or an absolutely mesmerizing moment in time. Whatever it is that John puts into it, it is just beyond this world. Absolutely beautiful.

[@paulwhite14]

YES - like impressionism. Monet's Water lilies come to mind.

[@antheablackmore5838]

Absolutely….how I miss this man

[@antheablackmore5838]

@@paulwhite14 music doesn’t get much better does it

[@MrMerlin87]

finding peace in sadness, comfort in yearning. thats the impression i get, anyway

[@abrokenframe82]

hugh smith The human condition to want what they cannot have. To take for granted everything they have......me included!

[@jakemetcalfe3091]

+hugh smith I used to explain this to my father when he often accused me of being morbid..

[@mickdavison5165]

hugh smith that's very intuitive and perfectly summed up

[@liamdixon8163]

I was 20 yrs of age out of mind and this came along I’m 63 now and it still has the same effect God bless you Mr Martyn 💙💚🙏

[@ethandavis8090]

I’m 17 now and first heard this at 16, and this man and his works never cease to amaze me, or to inspire me in my own song writing. He was a genius.

[@antheablackmore5838]

Same for me , at 65 this transports me back to a time of wonder…….this is beyond haunting…..beyond genius ❤️

[@antheablackmore5838]

@@ethandavis8090 wow I’m soo happy you’ve found him….have you seen the tribute album by young artists for his music? Look up John Martyn Tribute it’s there …my daughter bought it for me after his death

[@ethandavis8090]

Anthea Blackmore I’ll give it a listen!

[@ethandavis8090]

Anthea Blackmore thanks for your response! It’s great to talk to other John martyn fans he is so underrated

[@vidarlarsen748]

I wish that all people in the world will discover this video in here, before it's too late.

[@PeteRed-ig3fp]

And now it's 2 late.. peace.

[@rosedragon]

Yessss❤❤❤❤

[@stuartdawson8514]

i was lucky enough as a kid to meet john a few times. my mum and dad were super fans and would travel the county to see every date on the tour. this is the song that moved me as a kid and still moves me now

[@helmet45]

Saw him 12-13 times. When he was good he was transcendental, sadly when he was bad (pissed) he stunk the place out. Only let me down twice though, but the last time I saw him (Irish Centre, Leeds 1997) I walked out in disgust

[@COZZIG]

Jem Tovey So was I. Off his tits. Came out of the dressing room dragging about 20 purple balloons behind him and said "They've got nothing in my size"!

[@stevepauldaws28]

Ey up bro. Top tune.

[@Sven_59]

@@helmet45 must be a Tovey thing, I'm a huge fan of John's also.

[@RSXLad]

That's a great story and golden memory......cherish

[@starsky8614]

This is a song that just makes me want to stick a set Of headphones on and block out the world, live in my own zone surrounded by the music.. Jesus, as well known as John was he deserves a tonne more recognition that he gets, especially in the modern day, people I was talking to today asked me who the best guitar player of all time was, all others involved in the conversation said Slash/Van Halen/Jimmy Page/Jimi Hendrix, and I thought, if I say John Martyn I know they'll be clueless... It saddens me deeply the way the worlds taste in music has grown apart from the likes of John, because his music stands the test of time and the legacy of it -whether some like it or not- lives on through the likes of Ben Howard, a fellow Island Record Label musician. In all, John was a poor soul, but even when life knocked him down he continued to appease his fans with flawless music, and for that I am forever grateful. May you never be forgotten big man, sleep tight.

[@mmr040961]

Eh?? Fuck off. He was one of the most brilliantly complex players ever. Just try one of his songs and see if you can copy it...

[@TheGiantMidget]

Chair Governors he really is a great guitarist, not in a mechanically proficient way but in a creative way which is more important

[@richardridings7511]

....Yeh, right, that's even if you can get your head around the tunings. Way way ahead of his time. Nothing superfluous. Superb.

[@lunarscope9239]

@Chair Governors ?????? You blind and deaf!! The man played like a God! Are you sure you're not ed Sheehan territories!!:-)

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@lunarscope9239 I think he was a very good player, not the most technically proficient but creative and had solid skills. Most none-guitarists will never have heard of Tommy Emmanuel, Richard Smith, John Renbourn, Bert Jansch, etc hence they just think Hendrix or Page are the greatest, simply because their knowledge is so small.

[@morganpa7]

In response to the 'what pedals question' Brian, on this track, it's basically an echoplex tape echo (he used two on live gigs) and volume pedal, but during this period, he was also a user of a Big Muff distortion, Maestro Boomerang (wah) pedal, Mutron Envelope follower (autowah) and MXR Phase 90. I first heard him around this period and what he could do with just an acoustic guitar and this set up was amazing..thank god for youtube so that I can hear it again

[@beachcomber4141]

I play guitar and have lately gotten into the wonderful pedals available to us today, and I am struck that this is as beautiful of a sound as can be had today. Ambient beauty. Also remarkable how ahead of his time he was.

[@beachcomber4141]

What a perfect title for this music. Its that moment late at night when its only yourself with sublime thoughts in a moment that you wish you could live in forever.

[@jordanlaithrawi]

music before its time. technical masterpiece

[@madecassiamadecava2761]

Holy fuck this was ahead of its time..

[@piptaylor99]

With sad heart I have to report that John passed away this morning 29 Jan 2009 aged 60. RIP John

[@lincsdarra]

Get goose bumps whenever I hear this. The man was a genius, a troubled genius, but one none the less. This along with Solid Air will last the test of time. So will all his music to be honest

[@TheMrgaztop]

The dislikes are from people that live in a closet full of pop music. And never come out. Open your ears, open your soul, open your hearts. Bob Marley loved John, as did Big Youth and many people like John Lyndon. So, he crossed many rivers, and built many kingdoms, that people from every music culture, lived in.

[@lesliegprice6652]

Saw him at Salford College in 75 , with Danny Thompson, John Stephens and Paul Kossoff on lead , what a night and they drank a crate of Guinness then started tapping up the audience for drinks ,amazing music,finished up with some really hard blues numbers !!! Love you John and Paul ......♥☮️☯️

[@normanno8514]

I think you may have had a few bevvies yourself my friend - Paul Kossof died in 1976

[@lesliegprice6652]

@@normanno8514 my bad it was 75 !

[@surfviewgardens2396]

I once got bold and played guitar at a New Year's party in Tempe, Arizona, during a holiday break in 1975. My friend Jerry's girlfriend said that I reminded her of John Martyn, whom she recently seen in San Diego, opening for SPIRIT. What an honor to be associated with the name. Years later when John Martyn came to Scottsdale, Arizona, I saw that no advance radio ads were being heard on the likely radio station, (KZON). So, I provided the KZON DJ, Mary McCann with my favorite John Martyn CDs and songs. She fashioned some nice spots and I paid for the number of plays before those concert dates at the ROCKING HORSE. Kee Kee Ebson (Buddy's daughter) was the opening act for JM. JM coming into town didn't know that due to the radio play that he would have hoards. JM being impatient called an audible and decided for open up for her, instead. JM played his set first and just as the late ticket holders arrived early for the John Martyn set, John was finishing. He tooks his finale, but it wasn't enough for the late comers. After management of the Rocking Horse came back from vacation and found out about all of the demand for JM, he scheduled another show and they gave me VIP treatment with a big table near the stage, and all of my friends and JM-fellow fans shared a delight. - John Martyn RIP

[@intothewildfestival8848]

This song breaks my heart with its beauty. Written by John for his love with his wife, that he lost. It sums up everything about longing, love and life. What a genius xxx

[@tomas_horn]

Gonna get on up and fly away Go on after another way and a new day has dawned Gonna carry on Keep on loving while your love is strong Keep on loving till your love is gone away Well you're very very lovely, gonna take you home Say you'll be my ruin but I just don't care because I love you so I just love you so Keep on loving till your love is gone Keep on loving while your love is strong

[@davebarber3827]

This song is so powerful to me when I haven't listened to it for a while it moves me so much that it makes me 😭 what an over looked talent miss you big john R.I.P.

[@ethandavis8090]

RIP big John 😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏

[@dereknezza-ru2hr]

A new days dawned, gonna carry on!

[@neilporchetta8032]

One man,an acoustic guitar and an echoplex.

[@johnqdarwin]

innit . just wow . pure soul .

[@richfoster6677]

Just got into his music recently… what an extraordinary musician..speaking as a guitar player…the guy has tape on his guitar to keep his pickup in place!! The music he makes is absolutely incredible!

[@Roller_Ghoster]

The distortion and effects on that are amazing for 1978.

[@lizzieatherfold2293]

Saw John at Guildford uni in the 70’s just sublime

[@aliceDEMbonez]

He died today 2 years ago...Im feeling a John Martyn night tonite...r.i.p. john..nothing like some late night john...

[@Luddite-vd2ts]

I saw him at Leicester circa 1980, I think it was at the Polytechnic Students Union. I'd never heard of him before. I was totally astonished at the way in which he filled the entire auditorium with sound from just one guitar. I went out the next day and bought several LP's. An amazing composer.😊 I played some to my housemates and they just didn't get it. But they were studying economics 😂 I've been a fan ever since.

[@bigbananadealer846]

this song is so insanely good. so ahead of its time too

[@nathantunnicliffe4680]

When i first heard this, it blew me away! My son, Billy was in the Womb and i used to play it to him, through the headphones, placing them onto his mothers stomach. He used to kick alot, but when i let him listen to this, he stopped. 💜💜💜💜💜 He's 12 now and somehow still remembers!!! 💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@michaelglen9472]

I knew him, I worshipped his sometimes erratic behaviour, saw his good side, and saw his frailties. But one thing is 100% evident in what he gave you, pure from the heart music and a talent that sadly never got the appreciation it deserved. RIP Mr Iain David McGeachy. If you did end up at the pearly gates, the big man will be blowing dust of the harp and asking if ye ken this yin...

[@simonhawke5370]

I saw him on this tour. My first term at uni, fell in love that night, even got the bugger's autograph after the gig. Best part of ten years later, this particular album became an integral part of courting the mother of my children. That and seeing him and Danny Thompson at Croperdy. Good times

[@introspectivedreamer3864]

I would echo a lot of what other folks below have said, some of the comments are years old so I hope the folks in question are still enjoying the astounding beauty of John's music

[@laurenmusso4719]

Just too beautiful- the emotions are there for all to hear and feel- RIP John - they did not hear your magic my brother😢😢😢🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@kezkezooie8595]

A brilliant musician, songwriter and performer. He's missed, but he gave us the wonderful gift of his music to enjoy.

[@vanhooligan7532]

so ahead of his time

[@tracyannburns4085]

Why am I only now finding this incredible music?!? I swear, most people that were around then seem to not want to share their generations music

[@R3adybreck]

People always say "kids these days don't know real music." But they need to play their kids the good music. Im 26 and i grew up on this stuff.

[@niallxxx]

back then we didn't have video etc. am amazed this even exists

[@LucasTheGreat1]

You know when you stumble across one of the GREATS, fall in love with his songs and become completely rapt in his music.. then find out they're dead? Yeah ...

[@slaaaaave]

Exactly what's happened to me too :(

[@mikegb667]

Tom Earnshaw me three :(

[@christianchadwick7185]

Venture into folk and folk rock, discover Nick Drake...dead. discover elliot smith...dead. discover jeff buckley....dead, by far my favorite. discover john martyn..dead. I feel like I'm just killing people while I look for music that appeals to me.

[@LucasTheGreat1]

Watch 'The Piratical Adventures of John Martyn'!

[@steveturner1321]

Its called an echoplex ,an analogue echo unit works on a tape loop. the combination of beautiful chords and timing blows me away. The man, awesome.x

[@Jimmylikesfuzz]

Best video on youtube. 2:45 am & can't sleep... This is my go-to every time.

[@flippingo]

Unknowingly, I just had two different versions of this song playing at the same time in different windows of my computer. That was a weird and wonderful experience.

[@mainsblanches8793]

At least 30 years in advance!!...wow!!...

[@stephenbuckley5818]

My favourite All time John Martyn song and there are so many

[@tomhamilton5261]

Wonderful piece of music. John Martyn at his best. Missed but not forgotten

[@ballyhaunis]

1978 first seen him........mesmeric.......seen me through many a hard day and many a loving night. Won't be another like him. Uniquely obscene and uniquely exquisite.

[@beverleyshepley7028]

Our band was a support act in Salisbury UK in early 70s,loved the guy,pissed outa his head with his guitar and WEM COPYCAT machine.He was 2 months younger than me,sad to see he died.Way ahead of his time,and lived his music:>)

[@coskunguclu8591]

Beverley Shepley Must have been amazing to be his support act! Awesome story :)

[@AlBowly]

Funny that, many years ago I had a Wem Copicat that used to keep looping like his stuff. I gave it to a friend of mine and not knowing there was a permanent magnet that was missing which he has replaced and that sound was not achievable once it was fixed.

[@jaimitoelcartero5758]

with this song i had a Satori. i was just crying and loving all my self which was the universe as well. it was a very strong felling of love.

[@tomhunter4606]

Saw him in Amsterdam at Paradiso as a young 18 year old Kiwi on his OE. Blew me away!

[@splinband]

When you just take into account that he created such music back in the '70 ... That is mind blowing! Thank you Ben Howard for this album recommendation :))

[@kutzak236]

A lot of mind blowing and such music was made in the 70s (a lot more than in the 22st century)

[@wazzafield]

A wonderful piece of music written by a wonderful musician. One man, one guitar, for one world. Brilliant.

[@thefifer52]

Thanks John, for everything x

[@michaelvout7813]

The essence of that time.

[@TheSeanZeek]

How lovely a sound is that, and the best sentiment ever. I spent many great hours with friends, crashed on bean bags with a spliff listening to John on the stereo. Rest well big man. :o)

[@stradlemonkey444]

First I've heard of John Martyn. He's got a lot of dedicated fans, but I've never heard his work till now. Nice!

[@markdorman]

I still listen to this all the time. Reminds me of long summer evenings on Bredon Hill, smoking weed and just getting lost in this beautiful thing. Fantastic.

[@cuthut]

RIP John. You made a lot of people very happy with your music.

[@radleysmith7528]

2024 fresh ears in wonder, Oh yeah.. timeless classic going on here

[@johndavis-ashdown5795]

Beautiful

[@deanframe1049]

There are no words for this man. If I could be reincarnated as his leg I would be the happiest leg ever!!!!!!!!

[@ReegusReever]

But who would make up the rest of the reincarnated Martyn? I'll take whatever is left.

[@benstaffordmusic]

always find myself coming back to this..

[@anthonyarthur750]

Anyone still bumping to this

[@wallybob2266]

Masterpiece

[@fabmaester]

This guy saw me through my teens and my early twenties and grounded me when the world felt troubled. I'll miss him terribly RIP John thank you for your fantastic sense of humour and your wonderful sensitivity.

[@anarchicutopia]

I remember being at this gig (and yes we really dress like that). Returned again to listen here after hearing Justin Vernon's work (through this portal) If John's spirit moves you, wiki Justin and find the searches that will lead you home.

[@Karma7711]

It definitely crossed my mind that Justin Vernon would have been inspired by John martyn

[@smb1967]

One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever created,this is John in his prime,sink back,close your eyes and drift away. :)

[@wot2wot2]

i was gutted when he died, crying a lot, someone told me that he's in a better place now . but theres no better place than earth and there s no better place than earth with john martyn on it xx

[@jamesmclean1469]

Oh aye! The boy always caught the moment, now eternity is catching its share

[@123ubuntu666]

No wonder he got a deal with Island. My only surprise is that Chris Blackwell did not sell him as the new Bob Marley. I jest, but really, he was in his way, true to himself and his roots. Doing that thing that only he can do. Genius. Arsehole maybe, I never got to meet him to find out. His music speaks for itself now.

[@0MakkaPakka0]

It penetrates the soul, what a feeling

[@tonysproule3408]

One of his more memorized and spellbound performances..

[@pedrolorca5835]

Extraordinary. Genius.

[@janiceward2169]

Still listening to this genius of a guy....2021....❤❤❤

[@kuiszcothom]

the vocals at 3:00 are the best thing i have ever heard

[@thembluetube]

Totally agree. So much feeling. I will never get tired of listening to this song.

[@ReegusReever]

The notes on the down are perfect. You just hit it sometimes, eh?

[@kadijaish]

This exact video put me to sleep through my whole high school and college. I had best dreams to this song also Nick Drake songs. Dreams so warm and vivid that puts smile on my face when I remember it. Shivernggoat, thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@kb1686]

holy crap, i just discovered john martyn about 20 minutes ago. this is so far ahead of its time its ridiculous... why have i not heard more of him?

[@rosedragon]

Me too 3 months ago I loooove his sound and music 🎶 🎵 😌 😭

[@PeteRed-ig3fp]

Saw John twice once in Leeds once in Norwich some people are just soul when they perform.

[@thecatspyjamas1309]

You can never get sick of John Martyn, absolute hero. Just beautiful....

[@davequin]

If there is a heaven- this guy will be playing there- hope I end up there too.....RIP John!

[@christianevans3121]

Incredibly beautiful...but sad.

[@uncleambient]

Absolutely awesome musician He was Grace and danger combined He wore his heart on his sleeve Thanks John God Bless

[@izzyizzy3467]

Goosebumps every time

[@user-lr8vz7ey1k]

Timeless brilliance. Beautiful. Miss him.

[@joolspirog]

You beautiful crazy genius. How I miss you & your wonderful music, that shaped many of my early years 11 years gone RIP

[@peterheading49]

Oh the memory of this song......bring back my youth in that small country house

[@adamdreisler7365]

Wow... so glad to have discovered this... beautiful...

[@lowmoon9025]

One of the greatest talents ever in music. Complete package.

[@RossAlbutt]

Superb! ...

[@rosedragon]

John we love you angel your music 🎶 touches our heart and soul❤❤❤❤

[@elgen13]

That guitar intro is my favorite all times !

[@grahamkitching6218]

Lucky enough to see him live twice …so humbled and blessed

[@liamemerson9445]

I love him so much. Untouchable, especially with this where he loses it halfway through. That's the beauty of live performance.

[@wuckle]

would've loved to be at that gig.....amazing!

[@buzzflocks3992]

Live version beats studio version! Only real talent can do that.

[@mrsszmanda07]

One of my all time favourite singers. Love this man 😭❤️

[@runmusicbeer]

Saw him playing this with my mate,Skeller at Durham Uni in '78 or 79- amazing stuff, been hooked ever since. God bless yer John!