John Martyn
I just found out via Jigtime that John Martyn passed away. He’s an artist I’d almost forgotten about, I had one of his albums years ago when I was in college in Dublin. Somewhere along the line I lost or misplaced it and never replaced it. I’d always meant to replace it and get to know his music better, and he was a great musician to see live. I’m annoyed at myself for not knowing his music better.
Sometimes John Martyn’s style reminds me a bit of Chris Rea, but with a more bluey bent and with the humming double-bass, other times just so ethereal. His early stuff was almost very traditional folk music (which I’m not familiar with). Here’s John live in Dublin in 1987, singing “Sweet Little Mysteries”:
And an interview with him last year, in 2008:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkcmB8a1cn8
I’m sad that I never got to see him live, and I hope he’s enjoying the sweet little mysteries where ever he is.
After looking at John’s discography I remembered that I first listened to John’s by playing my brother Greg’s vinyl copy of Solid Air album:
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:wvfixqq5ldde
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_Air
A great album, I must see if I can get a copy. And from that same concert long ago in Dublin, is John singing the title track:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_Utj4Aljc
And “I’d Rather be the Devil” which is one of my favourite tracks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYCG5wZ9op8&feature=related