John Martyn — May You Never
Album: Solid AirAvg rating:
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Length: 3:38
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May you never lay your head down without a hand to hold
May you never make your bed out in the cold
Verse 1
Your just like a great strong brother of mine and you know that I love you true
You never talk dirty behind my back and I know there are those that do
Won't you please, won't you please, won't you bear in mind
Love is a lesson to learn in our time
Won't you please won't please won't you bear in mind for me
May you never lay your head down without a hand to hold
May you never make your bed out in the cold
Verse 2
And your just like a good warm sister me and you know that I love you true
You hold no blade to stab me in the back and I know that some do
Won't you please won't you please won't you bear in mind
Life is a lesson to learn in our time
Won't you please won't you please won't you bear it mind for me
May you never lay your head down without a hand to hold
May you never make your bed out in the cold
Repeat verse 1
May you never lose your temper if you get hit in a bar room fight
May you never lose your woman over night
May you never lay your head down without a hand to hold
May you never make your bed out in the cold
May you never lose your temper if you get hit in a bar room fight
May you never lose your woman over night x3
May you never make your bed out in the cold
Verse 1
Your just like a great strong brother of mine and you know that I love you true
You never talk dirty behind my back and I know there are those that do
Won't you please, won't you please, won't you bear in mind
Love is a lesson to learn in our time
Won't you please won't please won't you bear in mind for me
May you never lay your head down without a hand to hold
May you never make your bed out in the cold
Verse 2
And your just like a good warm sister me and you know that I love you true
You hold no blade to stab me in the back and I know that some do
Won't you please won't you please won't you bear in mind
Life is a lesson to learn in our time
Won't you please won't you please won't you bear it mind for me
May you never lay your head down without a hand to hold
May you never make your bed out in the cold
Repeat verse 1
May you never lose your temper if you get hit in a bar room fight
May you never lose your woman over night
May you never lay your head down without a hand to hold
May you never make your bed out in the cold
May you never lose your temper if you get hit in a bar room fight
May you never lose your woman over night x3
Comments (150)add comment
jelgator wrote:
I like Clapton just fine but this is better.
Of course it is. I have always felt that Eric doing a version of it was him sort of "doffing his cap" to the great talent of John Martyn.
I like Clapton just fine but this is better.
Of course it is. I have always felt that Eric doing a version of it was him sort of "doffing his cap" to the great talent of John Martyn.
Saw him in Gainesville, FL ~1974 opening for Yes of all things. Just Martyn and an effects-laden acoustic guitar. Some pretty amazing stuff. This song is excellent, but pales in comparison to "Solid Air," "One World," "Head and Heart' and "Bless the Weather" to name just a few.
brosen wrote:
I like Clapton just fine but this is better.
I haven't heard Clapton's version but I think this is a beautiful song and performance.
I like Clapton just fine but this is better.
I haven't heard Clapton's version but I think this is a beautiful song and performance.
funkyalfonso wrote:
I'm only know Cynaera from her posts, having passed before I discovered Radio Paradise. What a soul damaging opportunity was missed, just not my personal loss but everyone whose experienced her sunshine, during her life or posthumously.
I'm only know Cynaera from her posts, having passed before I discovered Radio Paradise. What a soul damaging opportunity was missed, just not my personal loss but everyone whose experienced her sunshine, during her life or posthumously.
Cynaera wrote:
Oh, dear - you've gone off your medication again, haven't you? Bill and/or Rebecca, please handle this and return macbags' money. The earth will not revolve around the sun until you do.
(Well, I was gonna post something like, "Sorry, macbags - once you've paid for phone-sex..." but I'm not feeling that snarky today. Oh, wait - I just posted it. Guess I am feeling that snarky.)
I always get sad when I see Cynaera's name. She was special.
I guess John Martyn was a troubled soul in his latter years.
I saw him in Whelan’s Pub in Dublin circa 2000 – a small intimate venue, where me and my brother had our own table, and Guinness brought to us on demand – a very nice setting.
This is my recollection of the evening – a little bit distant – but I think accurate:
The band came out, without John, and started playing. After one song, still no sign of John, and the band played a second tune. Still no sign of John, but the room was full of JM fans so no complaints, just patience. One of the stage crew then placed a cheap plastic chair at the centre of the stage and soon after out came John Martyn, in a sharp black suit and black turtleneck seater … and blue slippers.
I think he was ‘helped’ to the chair.
There he sat in the chair, as the band started the third song/tune – obviously weighed down by what ever substance had been recently taken – his head down, his eyes closed, guitar in hand…
After a short time, he started playing the guitar, head still down, eyes still closed, no singing.
You could sense the audience willing and hoping and waiting.
Finally, about two thirds the way through the third song, his head lifted slowly, and his eyes glazed open.
The crowd roared in relief, and the rest of the evening began.
I saw him in Whelan’s Pub in Dublin circa 2000 – a small intimate venue, where me and my brother had our own table, and Guinness brought to us on demand – a very nice setting.
This is my recollection of the evening – a little bit distant – but I think accurate:
The band came out, without John, and started playing. After one song, still no sign of John, and the band played a second tune. Still no sign of John, but the room was full of JM fans so no complaints, just patience. One of the stage crew then placed a cheap plastic chair at the centre of the stage and soon after out came John Martyn, in a sharp black suit and black turtleneck seater … and blue slippers.
I think he was ‘helped’ to the chair.
There he sat in the chair, as the band started the third song/tune – obviously weighed down by what ever substance had been recently taken – his head down, his eyes closed, guitar in hand…
After a short time, he started playing the guitar, head still down, eyes still closed, no singing.
You could sense the audience willing and hoping and waiting.
Finally, about two thirds the way through the third song, his head lifted slowly, and his eyes glazed open.
The crowd roared in relief, and the rest of the evening began.
beautiful tune
Hey Bill! Need some other JM tunes.
this album is godlike…
Matt_Maurer wrote:
Yes indeed I do. One of the most spiritual artists of all time. Beautiful.
His own melody, drawling voice and syncopation - provide crystals of spiritual light. Hear it ?
Yes indeed I do. One of the most spiritual artists of all time. Beautiful.
His own melody, drawling voice and syncopation - provide crystals of spiritual light. Hear it ?
mlh7n wrote:
Eric Clapton...yes, that is who I was thinking of when I heard this song. I think it was awhile since I heard the cover, good to hear the original artist.
How cool. The Eric Clapton version was played recently (yesterday), and there was a comment that the original is even better. And now here it is! RP is so cool.
Eric Clapton...yes, that is who I was thinking of when I heard this song. I think it was awhile since I heard the cover, good to hear the original artist.
How cool. The Eric Clapton version was played recently (yesterday), and there was a comment that the original is even better. And now here it is! RP is so cool.
Solid album from start to finish, thanks RP 
Hero! What an artist, what an album!
Managed to see JC live a couple of times; Glastonbury in the 80s and Croydon Fairfield Halls. I now live near his birthplace!
Managed to see JC live a couple of times; Glastonbury in the 80s and Croydon Fairfield Halls. I now live near his birthplace!
baltika wrote:
JM "cover"? The song was written by John Martyn, Claption is one playing the cover.
Thanks....I pulled the (somewhat common here) flub of 'using cover' to mean 'version'(as in 'the original version) - see, this is what happens when attempting to comment on songs while working (or attempting to work while commenting on songs?) - and I'm still at an 8 on this...LLRP!!
JM "cover"? The song was written by John Martyn, Claption is one playing the cover.
Thanks....I pulled the (somewhat common here) flub of 'using cover' to mean 'version'(as in 'the original version) - see, this is what happens when attempting to comment on songs while working (or attempting to work while commenting on songs?) - and I'm still at an 8 on this...LLRP!!
lizardking wrote:
JM "cover"? The song was written by John Martyn, Claption is one playing the cover.
This is one of the tracks I LOVE of EC's "Slowhand" album - and while I like the tune a lot, this JM cover is not nearly as strong IMHO....in fact I just went 7→6 (maybe cuz Fall's here in the PNW and I'm in a bit of a sour mood?) Long Live RP!!
JM "cover"? The song was written by John Martyn, Claption is one playing the cover.
gjeeg wrote:
You did. I saw him open for Yes at Cobo Hall in Detroit. Solo. Used Yes' sound system. Had no idea who he was, but never forgot him.
____
Saw him open for Yes in 1973!
I think.
Yes, I think so.
____
Saw him open for Yes in 1973!
I think.
Yes, I think so.
khardog145 wrote:
Funny, to me it has more depth and feeling than EC's version - which is wonderful too. Don't feel bad I think the Chicago area only has approx. 15 more sunny days than the PNW. We are in for the long darkness soon, except when it's zero and below
Alright khardog145....I just went back to an 8 on this....stay warm out in the Windy city! Long Live RP!!
Funny, to me it has more depth and feeling than EC's version - which is wonderful too. Don't feel bad I think the Chicago area only has approx. 15 more sunny days than the PNW. We are in for the long darkness soon, except when it's zero and below
Alright khardog145....I just went back to an 8 on this....stay warm out in the Windy city! Long Live RP!!
I saw John m live in Hull, he bought Paul Kossof on for the second half, trying to help his friend out. Superb night!
If you like this, please listen to Martyn's lovely acoustic version of this with Jerry Douglas and Kathy Mattea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBPTuAl2Qyk
lizardking wrote:
Funny, to me it has more depth and feeling than EC's version - which is wonderful too. Don't feel bad I think the Chicago area only has approx. 15 more sunny days than the PNW. We are in for the long darkness soon, except when it's zero and below
This is one of the tracks I LOVE of EC's "Slowhand" album - and while I like the tune a lot, this JM cover is not nearly as strong IMHO....in fact I just went 7→6 (maybe cuz Fall's here in the PNW and I'm in a bit of a sour mood?) Long Live RP!!
Funny, to me it has more depth and feeling than EC's version - which is wonderful too. Don't feel bad I think the Chicago area only has approx. 15 more sunny days than the PNW. We are in for the long darkness soon, except when it's zero and below
This is one of the tracks I LOVE of EC's "Slowhand" album - and while I like the tune a lot, this JM version is not nearly as strong IMHO....in fact I just went 7→6 (maybe cuz Fall's here in the PNW and I'm in a bit of a sour mood?) Long Live RP!!
Too many 10s tonight!! How to choose Top Ten 10's?!
Keep it comin' We love RP longtime. <3
Keep it comin' We love RP longtime. <3
and it will always be 
Time for some different John Martyn tracks.
Nice(r) version 
Better..by far. Let's keep Johnny original !
TheKing2 wrote:
Agreed!
Mr Martyn rocks. His own style. The singer-song-writer pur sang
Agreed!
Mr Martyn rocks. His own style. The singer-song-writer pur sang
Oh, gawd, this is boring and saccharine.
Saw him open for Yes in 1973!
I think.
Yes, I think so.
I think.
Yes, I think so.
Love John, saw him whenever I could and met him a few times. no one makes music like this anymore. a proper musicians musician, Phil Collins was his drummer/backing singer, and Gilmour his session strummer.
this is some of his best work IMHO.
this is some of his best work IMHO.
Nice version, though Eric Clapton had a good intimistic moment with this song, the acustic guitars here sound really good
I just watched Southcliffe on Netflix and thoroughly enjoyed it. This song played a few times in the show, and there was one part where I was having trouble paying attention to the dialog because I kept subconsciously paying attention to the music in the background!
Not heard of john Martyn ( born '73) but this sounds like something Joni Mitchell would sing. Pleasant.
ginniet wrote:
Keep listening to John Martyn......he'll change your mind!
Sorry, I like the Clapton version better.
Keep listening to John Martyn......he'll change your mind!
What a gorgeous tune.
Sorry, I like the Clapton version better.
Sydney Town Hall, many years ago.
Purely magic.
Purely magic.
daedalus wrote:
..... yes
Aahhh ! That's better !
..... yes
10, next
Wow, just lovely. Plus, the rare lovey-dovey love song that doesn't come across as cheesy or saccharine.
Aahhh ! That's better !
Poacher: Couldn't agree more. One of these treasures in the universe of music - OK, for 30-some years...
Perfect. This track always, always, gives me goosebumps in the 40 years I have heard it.
And Rob, thanks for the pic below reminding me how John looked before Whisky and life changed him into a somewhat larger figure of a man.
And Rob, thanks for the pic below reminding me how John looked before Whisky and life changed him into a somewhat larger figure of a man.
More John Martyn please :) Saw him many times in Ireland.
Another new voice for me this morning! Very nice, kinda unique.
Nice!
What great high school memories.
he was truly an artist i never tired of going to watch him 
miss him greatly
miss him greatly Poacher wrote:
Thats funny. . . Our John with a skinny neck? I don't think so.
This marvellous tune is one of my desert Island discs, it gives me goosebumps. John passed away years ago now but I still miss him. I used see him perform on a regular basis and there is still no one who has really filled the gel. Fare well John.
He did once upon a time:
A warning to the rest of us to ease up on the pop.
A great tune from one of my favourite albums of all time.
Thats funny. . . Our John with a skinny neck? I don't think so.
This marvellous tune is one of my desert Island discs, it gives me goosebumps. John passed away years ago now but I still miss him. I used see him perform on a regular basis and there is still no one who has really filled the gel. Fare well John.
He did once upon a time:
A warning to the rest of us to ease up on the pop.
A great tune from one of my favourite albums of all time.
vit wrote:
Thats funny. . . Our John with a skinny neck? I don't think so.
This marvellous tune is one of my desert Island discs, it gives me goosebumps. John passed away years ago now but I still miss him. I used see him perform on a regular basis and there is still no one who has really filled the gel. Fare well John.
May you never be trapped in a room with John Martyn and Dan Fogleberg as they battle for supremacy in the War of Singers Who Sound Like They Have Skinny Necks And Giant Adam's Apples.
Thats funny. . . Our John with a skinny neck? I don't think so.
This marvellous tune is one of my desert Island discs, it gives me goosebumps. John passed away years ago now but I still miss him. I used see him perform on a regular basis and there is still no one who has really filled the gel. Fare well John.
May you never be trapped in a room with John Martyn and Dan Fogleberg as they battle for supremacy in the War of Singers Who Sound Like They Have Skinny Necks And Giant Adam's Apples.
JIan wrote:
I didn't know you Ann, but this post makes me seriously miss having you around the RP boards.
Here, here! She was one of the coolest RP listeners and commentators. So sad to hear of her passing.
I didn't know you Ann, but this post makes me seriously miss having you around the RP boards.
Here, here! She was one of the coolest RP listeners and commentators. So sad to hear of her passing.
Cynaera wrote:
I didn't know you Ann, but this post makes me seriously miss having you around the RP boards.
Oh, dear - you've gone off your medication again, haven't you? Bill and/or Rebecca, please handle this and return macbags' money. The earth will not revolve around the sun until you do.
(Well, I was gonna post something like, "Sorry, macbags - once you've paid for phone-sex..." but I'm not feeling that snarky today. Oh, wait - I just posted it. Guess I am feeling that snarky.)
(Well, I was gonna post something like, "Sorry, macbags - once you've paid for phone-sex..." but I'm not feeling that snarky today. Oh, wait - I just posted it. Guess I am feeling that snarky.)
I didn't know you Ann, but this post makes me seriously miss having you around the RP boards.
Groogrux69 wrote:
Same here !
I can't believe I had no clue who John Martyn was until RP turned me on to him. I though this was an Eric Clapton song. Really loving the JM tribute album as well.
Same here !
One of my all time faves. Thanks!
I can't believe I had no clue who John Martyn was until RP turned me on to him. I though this was an Eric Clapton song. Really loving the JM tribute album as well.
This song makes me suddenly aware of how much influence Martyn must've had on singer/songwriter David Wilcox. Damn!
Snow Patrol's version of this on Johnny Boy Would Love This is absolutely gorgeous —- one of the best things I've heard all year.
DickieStaff wrote:
I love your image... I have the worst time feeling warm and fuzzy in the wee hours of morning when all I want is strong coffee, a hot shower, and maybe some flannel sheets. Glad John Martyn can do it for you. Oh, wait - it's evening here and frell me dead - I'm feeling warm and fuzzy!
Huh. Must be John Martyn.
Here I am sat at work, its the graveyard shift. JM hits the airwaves and suddenly I've come over all warm and fuzzy.
I love your image... I have the worst time feeling warm and fuzzy in the wee hours of morning when all I want is strong coffee, a hot shower, and maybe some flannel sheets. Glad John Martyn can do it for you. Oh, wait - it's evening here and frell me dead - I'm feeling warm and fuzzy!
Huh. Must be John Martyn.
Here I am sat at work, its the graveyard shift. JM hits the airwaves and suddenly I've come over all warm and fuzzy.
Not bad but still like Clapton's version better.
macbags wrote:
(Well, I was gonna post something like, "Sorry, macbags - once you've paid for phone-sex..." but I'm not feeling that snarky today. Oh, wait - I just posted it. Guess I am feeling that snarky.)
i WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!!!
Oh, dear - you've gone off your medication again, haven't you? Bill and/or Rebecca, please handle this and return macbags' money. The earth will not revolve around the sun until you do.(Well, I was gonna post something like, "Sorry, macbags - once you've paid for phone-sex..." but I'm not feeling that snarky today. Oh, wait - I just posted it. Guess I am feeling that snarky.)
Clapton also covered this wonderful Martyn song in the 1970s. I love old John, almost as much as I love his contemporary Nick Drake. Some of his stuff got flat from the 1980s on, but Solid Air, Bless the Weather, etc. are fantastic albums.
A great substitute for Cat Stevens - I was living in Colorado when I was introduced to John. Excellent!
I also saw Michael Johnson play this at the small NJ college I attended in 1973. I worked at the campus radio station and made off with a bootleg copy. You're right... Mike's cover is better!
You know, I've never wondered what it would've been like if Matthew McConaughey had gone into music, and now I don't have to.
The Original
First heard Michael Johnson do this one back in late 70's. He does it so much better!
ACK! Who sings the other version of this that I LIKE? Not this one....
macbags wrote:
If you don't like this,I guess you have to talk to your crack dealer about that.
i WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!!!
If you don't like this,I guess you have to talk to your crack dealer about that.
i WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!!!
THIS ISNOT PARADISE. WHAT HAPPENED. SOLD OUT?
Solid Air is a pretty amazing album. Quite jazzy and with a great bunch of backing musicians too.
Perfect.
Still sends shivers up my spine.
I miss you John. . . I really miss seeing you in concert. . . The last time I saw you was with Mrs Poacher and we sat enthralled, holding hands and soaking up your music.
Still sends shivers up my spine.
I miss you John. . . I really miss seeing you in concert. . . The last time I saw you was with Mrs Poacher and we sat enthralled, holding hands and soaking up your music.
rjewyo wrote:
SOOOOO TRUE
SOOOOO good 
SOOOOO TRUE
SOOOOO good
Timeless. Will last forever.
John Martyn by Bryan Ledgard
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ledgard/
This photo was taken on August 11, 2006 in Cropredy, England, using a Nikon D200.
(Edited: 19-10-2010)
—————————————————————————————————————————
From Transatlantic Sessions series 1 (1995/6)
bass: Danny Thompson
dobro: Jerry Douglas
highwindows wrote:
Sad indeed....but we'll never lose his glorious music!
Have you seen the "Big Muff" You tube video I've posted today on the "RIP John" thread?
Sorry, it took me a while to get back to you on this one.
Actually John (or Ian as I knew him in Glasgow in the 60's) was a good friend and I was with him the first time he picked up a guitar.
You can read a little more about our friendship, who influenced him and how he got started at https://www.myspace.com/johnmartynfans
Sad indeed....but we'll never lose his glorious music!
Have you seen the "Big Muff" You tube video I've posted today on the "RIP John" thread?
Sorry, it took me a while to get back to you on this one.
Actually John (or Ian as I knew him in Glasgow in the 60's) was a good friend and I was with him the first time he picked up a guitar.
You can read a little more about our friendship, who influenced him and how he got started at https://www.myspace.com/johnmartynfans
John Martyn opened, solo, for the Moody Blues in the cavernous Montreal Forum, ya, back in the mid 70s. I never forgot how he had to fight to win and then held that boisterous crowd for an extended set. I took a cassette of Solid Air on my hitch-hiking travels across Canada. For me this is a soundtrack of liberation with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
What's that he's singing about bees? 
My long-lost friend Alex turned me on to John back in the mid 80's when I was living in Seattle - still souns great and never enough airplay.
keller1 wrote:
There's an excellent double-CD compilation called Sweet Little Mysteries: The Island Anthology which covers the early and middle parts of his career - have to admit that IMO his later output never came close to the magic of his early releases, most especially Solid Air, One World and No Little Boy. I saw him several times but the best I ever heard him play there was just John, his modified acoustic guitar, an Echoplex, and a small PA. Fantastic musician.
I discovered John Martyn late in the day, via the web and XFM in Dublin.
This guy was the real deal. If you can lay your hands on the Serendipity compilation CD you are in for a very, very big musical treat.
This guy was the real deal. If you can lay your hands on the Serendipity compilation CD you are in for a very, very big musical treat.
There's an excellent double-CD compilation called Sweet Little Mysteries: The Island Anthology which covers the early and middle parts of his career - have to admit that IMO his later output never came close to the magic of his early releases, most especially Solid Air, One World and No Little Boy. I saw him several times but the best I ever heard him play there was just John, his modified acoustic guitar, an Echoplex, and a small PA. Fantastic musician.
"From Transatlantic Sessions series 1 (1995/6) bass: Danny Thompson dobro: Jerry Douglas"
John Martyn - May You Never OGWT
R.I.P. 29/01/2009
"Heard this track for the first time when I was homeless and broke,I know it sounds a cliche but this guy and his song helped me to get back on my feet. " tomaskernohan
"i found this guy 6 years ago and wondered why the f... i hadnt heard of him before (oh i know ...hmm..not commercial enough) so people miss out on great music like this. 10/10 great music." TheEasyrider147
I'm so thankful for RP and the ability to hear great music "thru the ages". This one is truly timeless. Great lyrics and simple, wonderful song that I'll be singing the rest of the nite. It's a pity that some ppl can't appreciate it. Their loss...
MojoJojo wrote:
Had NO idea this was that old! 
I mean that as a compliment, in that there is no hint of a "dated" sound - at least to me. Good stuff.
Agreed. This is really timeless. This is kind of music the current crop of folk-ish singers aspire to. I mean that as a compliment, in that there is no hint of a "dated" sound - at least to me. Good stuff.Great song. A musician friend of mine introduced this song to me almost 20 years ago. Sounds as good today as it did then. Thanks for playing.
I discovered John Martyn late in the day, via the web and XFM in Dublin.
This guy was the real deal. If you can lay your hands on the Serendipity compilation CD you are in for a very, very big musical treat.
This guy was the real deal. If you can lay your hands on the Serendipity compilation CD you are in for a very, very big musical treat.
Jungle_Jim wrote:
Had NO idea this was that old! I mean that as a compliment, in that there is no hint of a "dated" sound - at least to me. Good stuff.
This song has healing properties. It was written for his newborn son. Check out Solid Air, as well as Bless The Weather. Someone has already mentioned Joni Mitchell on this thread, and in a way John Martyn was the British Joni Mitchell. Both started out doing intelligent, unique folk songs for about 4 albums then went jazz-folk-fusion for about 4 albums - and they both had the talent to put it off - and the two careers peaked roughly over the same years - '68-'80. Bless The Weather was his Blue, and One World was his Hejira.
Had NO idea this was that old!
I mean that as a compliment, in that there is no hint of a "dated" sound - at least to me. Good stuff.This song has healing properties. It was written for his newborn son. Check out Solid Air, as well as Bless The Weather. Someone has already mentioned Joni Mitchell on this thread, and in a way John Martyn was the British Joni Mitchell. Both started out doing intelligent, unique folk songs for about 4 albums then went jazz-folk-fusion for about 4 albums - and they both had the talent to put it off - and the two careers peaked roughly over the same years - '68-'80. Bless The Weather was his Blue, and One World was his Hejira.
Great to hear this song after many years. Thanks Bill.
Somewhere in the foggy memory banks of the mid to late 70s I seem to recall this song being played as a 'sign off' every night on one of the FM stations in Albuquerque. Any other RPers recall such a thing, or am I halluskinating again?
Somewhere in the foggy memory banks of the mid to late 70s I seem to recall this song being played as a 'sign off' every night on one of the FM stations in Albuquerque. Any other RPers recall such a thing, or am I halluskinating again?
I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing - thanks for mentioning it, Bill. I saw John many times, in concert: once, in a tiny club in Dundalk, where he did a solo set (I was in the first few rows); and, most memorably, at a concert at Queens Students Union in Belfast, in the mid 80's. A magical, stars-where-aligned night, where the total was greater than the sum of it's parts, everyone was either dancing or high, or both, and I just sat with a big dopey grin on my face, mind-blown by the amazing groove. A lovely, warm, shambly, ecstatic, relaxed groove. John was amazing.
A son, whose mom was to die soon of brain cancer, sang this to us, family and friends, as we were gathering to celebrate her life while she was still alive. The power of the words, never having heard them before, was stunning. A perfect song for other, not so dark, occasions, too. In context, a ten!
John Martyn was a contemporary & friend of Nick Drake, and I think there are elements of Nicks style in Johns Work.
Bosonator wrote:
I'd never thought about that before but I can hear what you mean.
Thanks for playing this Bill.
I think the melody and vocal style on this one makes him sound almost like a male Joni Mitchell.
I'd never thought about that before but I can hear what you mean.
Thanks for playing this Bill.
Died way too young — 60, I think. RIP John.
medoras wrote:
Sad indeed....but we'll never lose his glorious music!
Have you seen the "Big Muff" You tube video I've posted today on the "RIP John" thread?
We lost John on January 29, 2009. Travel safely John.
Sad indeed....but we'll never lose his glorious music!
Have you seen the "Big Muff" You tube video I've posted today on the "RIP John" thread?
We lost John on January 29, 2009. Travel safely John.
Better than Clapton's version, and that's saying something.
More John Martyn would be ok with me.
I think the melody and vocal style on this one makes him sound almost like a male Joni Mitchell.
At least he's not trying to be Portishead on this one, if I had to judge him from his version of Glory Box, he wouldn't get a second listen.
Quite good
Quite good
WOW! Thanks, Bill, for playing this. It has been so long since I've heard it. Beautiful.
I am pretty sure I have heard another (equally good) version somewhere... Anyone know?
I am pretty sure I have heard another (equally good) version somewhere... Anyone know?
kismet700 wrote:
The title song of Solid Air is a tribute to Nick Drake, maybe that answers your assumption
Great song!
The guitar has a Nick Drake quality to it.
The title song of Solid Air is a tribute to Nick Drake, maybe that answers your assumption
Great song!
Great song, classic too. I love a well played, great musicianship on a simple song structure on just the guitar with voice and with uplifting words. Beautifully done by a master like Martyn.
ScottishWillie wrote:
I'm told they were stable mates and friends on Island Records along with Richard Thompson's Fairport Convention. They also all shared a producer in the hugely talented Joe Boyd.
True, in fact John wrote Solid Air for and about Nick Drake. As far as Joe Boyd goes, we have him to thank for a host of great productions from Pink Floyd, Nick Drake, The Incredible String Band, Fairport Convention, Sandy Denny, Richard & Linda Thompson, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Maria Muldaur, Toots and the Maytals, REM, 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg, Cubanismo, Taj Mahal and many others.
Could it get much better?
kismet700 wrote:
The guitar has a Nick Drake quality to it.
I'm told they were stable mates and friends on Island Records along with Richard Thompson's Fairport Convention. They also all shared a producer in the hugely talented Joe Boyd.
I'm not sure how many RP listeners go back that far but I used to hang out with John (or Iain as I knew him) in the Glasgow folk scene back in the 60's. John had no shortage of mentors in Glasgow and Edinburgh at that time. Between the Glasgow "folk pubs," The Glasgow Folk Centre on Montrose St. and Clive's Incredible Folk Club, we were surrounded by the music of Hamish Imlach, Matt McGinn, Bert Jansch, Ewan MacColl, Alex Campbell, Mike Heron and Robin Williamson (soon to become the The Incredible String Band) and many others - including a local guitar player named *Les Brown who never recorded but could make his guitar sing with the best of them.
I would pick John up at home in Shawlands and we would meet up with an aspiring banjo player named Billy Connolly before hitting the pubs and clubs in the city core. In those days, our main objective was to try and stay straight enough to take in all the music and avoid getting clobbered by the gangs that roamed Glasgow looking for folkies (or anyone else) to beat up. I chatted to Robin Williamson a while ago in Toronto about those early days at Drew Moyes' Glasgow Folk Centre and Robin wondered how any of us survived and remembered anything. As Robin said, "our brains took a circuitous route through the 60's and the brain cells don't always work as expected." If any other RP listeners remember those days, keep adding to the story.
*Update: I wrote this piece 7 years ago and since then discovered that Les Brown did in fact record an album called Scandalise My Name. He was a superb guitar player and John took every opportunity to watch him play.
I would pick John up at home in Shawlands and we would meet up with an aspiring banjo player named Billy Connolly before hitting the pubs and clubs in the city core. In those days, our main objective was to try and stay straight enough to take in all the music and avoid getting clobbered by the gangs that roamed Glasgow looking for folkies (or anyone else) to beat up. I chatted to Robin Williamson a while ago in Toronto about those early days at Drew Moyes' Glasgow Folk Centre and Robin wondered how any of us survived and remembered anything. As Robin said, "our brains took a circuitous route through the 60's and the brain cells don't always work as expected." If any other RP listeners remember those days, keep adding to the story.
*Update: I wrote this piece 7 years ago and since then discovered that Les Brown did in fact record an album called Scandalise My Name. He was a superb guitar player and John took every opportunity to watch him play.
Photo-John wrote:
Just had to login to say that I absolutely hate this. YUCK!
Just had to login to say that I absolutely love this. YAHOO!
Ying/Yang
kerr wrote:
Great to hear some John Martyn here. Saw him live in Glasgow a few months ago and he's still got it.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.............
Great to hear some John Martyn here. Saw him live in Glasgow a few months ago and he\'s still got it.
Nice song - heard it from the other room and thought it was a Lowell George, had to check.
How about something from "One World"?