True, Danny Thompson (saw him with Martyn twice) partnered with John, Buckley, Drake, etc. and most recently he plays with Lisa Hannigan on her amazing live version of Nick Drake's "Black Eyed Dog"....
It's not drug related at all. You were correct with your comment. When you have clinical depression it's like moving through solid air. The song is all about Nick Drake's struggle with his depression. John has described clinical depression very well.
I think it can definitely be interpreted that way. I also see it as describing Nick's presence. He was a very mysterious figure who possessed incredible talent and wrote hauntingly beautiful music. He died very young and obscure and there's no footage of him playing, so it was almost as if he wasn't even fully real - like solid air. To good and fragile for this world.
In 1969 I spent an evening around Johns home along with the guy for whom May You Never was written. Much toking and jamming took place. He was a one-off and will be greatly missed. R.I.P. big guy.
Michael O'Neill oh man...i Wish i also could have See Them both together live..But i wasnt even born. I Love the "easy Feeling" they both Express together..to such a deep,deep, Song for Nick. My heart Hurt and is overwhelemed (sorry my Bad english)
I can't believe John Martyn has passed from among us. I was lucky enough to see him at Glastonbury in the mid 80s on the hottest most blissful day imaginable RIP John .. One of the Greats...
Beautiful version of the song that changed my life spiritually and musically. A testament to John Martyn's brilliance in that this album has influenced so many artists so profoundly. The story of Nick Drake is sad but this track seems to almost accidentally refer to the intangible beauty that Drake was trying to reveal during his short time with us. RIP John & Nick and thank you for bringing us something that is truly from the heart.
Martyn was absolutely brilliant in all his incarnations. Danny Thompson is one of the best bassists in the world. They enjoyed a perfectly symbiotic relationship and the world was lucky to experience it.
WOW I CANT SAY THE FEELINGS I GET FROM THIS GREAT SONG FROM A VERY GOOD SONG WRITER GOD BLESS YOU JOHN YOU ARE THE REAL DEAL FEELING SOUL AND HEART WONDERFUL THANK YOU
Yes, Danny Thompson is an incredible double bassist!! And an amazing, generous man and teacher. I had the honor of playing with him at Sore Fingers Bluegrass Week a few years ago and I will always cherish those moments. This was some of the best music I've ever been involved with in my entire career.
Remember seeing him around this time. Fantastic, but remember how long it took him to tune up between songs. Brilliant though! Danny Thompson, just brilliant as ever!
john's just genius i met him one night in the Kelvingrove Bar in glasgow he had just finnished a nights recording round at theCAVA studios. I remember walking into the bar that night and saw him,he had a good drink in him and i said John Martyn ,and he said ,do you know me and i said i certainly do he said well come over and sit at my table he was on the brandies i was on the lager.we spoke about his music and all the music that he listened to most of i had never heard of.nice guy ,r i p John
Saw John Martyn play at Glastonbury many years ago now ..musically a highlight of my life ..the stage ..John alone playing ..lasers across the starry sky ...magic
I saw him live 3 years ago & even though his words where unrecognisable his music still reached my soul. He has been there in my darkist times and my most happiest times. I'm utterly gutted that he's gone. his music was from the heart and you could feel every word he sang. hendrix, morrison, dylan only wished they could of had what came naturally to John Martyn! R.I.P. John. You forever in our hearts.
i seen JM live in glasgow twice both times he was supported by john smith(a young genius!) the second time i seen john he played the full solid air album! 2 great shows i wont forget! did anyone else see that show?
@weemoses a friend of my father's was on the way to a John Martyn gig in Dublin shortly before John passed away.My father's friend stopped into a pub on the way to the gig and was having a drink and got talking to a guy at the bar. He suddenly realised the guy he was talking to was John Martyn. After a few drinks with John he got up to head to the gig. As he was leaving John at the bar he told John, "You'd better bloody show up at the gig!" John laughed turned up and played a great set.
My dads friend went to this concert man I would have loved to have been alive when this genius played performances like this. A true gem like no other John was he will never be dead. His soul and spirit still lives on music like this is immortal in my opinion.
Danny Thompson is my best friend Peter Mcdonahs cousin peter has sadly passed. We met up with Danny at the Band on the wall swan st. Manchester many years back. John Etteridge on guitar and some guys from Bournemouth orchestra. Just magic. If you read this Danny reply 🎶🐕🎸❤️
Great video - beautiful memories. I remember him doing a gig in Queens Hall, Edinburgh - one night a trio, Danny Thompson, JM and a drummer. The next night he had a full band. Only one was truly magical!
Saw him so many times and he never failed to touch my heart,even when he was all electric. Last time at Dolans in Limerick. So sad we wont see or hear him again.
This is from a concert the day before I was born, and yet it still seems timeless. I'm fairly convinced their won't be any musician nearly as innovative as him in my lifetime.
Listening to this on Christmas Eve what a magical song. To be written for a man such of calibre of nick drake only shows the capabilities of John Martyn. Two outstanding musicians. Be kind to yourself and to others and merry Christmas to all x
Paul Oshea oh wow ye jammy git!! I got a wink and a wave cos he met my boyfriend once before at a gig in Holland. I was only 18 but I lived and breathed that album. Loved his magical voice.
Be your own hero. He wasn't here to be your hero, he was here to give us all pleasure. Pure pleasure to our ears. Visuals are overrated. I could care less what an artist looks like, most of the time I close my eyes and really get a good listen on. warm winds John, you will live forever.
This song, the composer/singer, the artist it was originally meant for and the introduction quote ("had a bit of trouble in his nut") makes ya spit out delightful expletives that aren't appropriate for anyone but yourself. This clip right here is why I love music. RIP John and Nick. Thank you so much for what you contributed to our world and lifetimes.
I first saw him in bradford uni in circa 1980.unbelievable can't stop feeling the rythm from from the very beginning. never stopped listening to him since
I first saw John live in '82 & regularly ever since, my last 3 gigs were after his amputation & I was so shocked by how much he'd let himself go. A superb musician but obviously stubborn as a mule when it came to giving up the booze & dope, it's sad that he never got on top of his addictions but I am so glad that I saw him in his prime as the last few years were just painful to see what a slurring, mumbling mess he'd become, being carried by his band (literally & metaphorically). A legend - RIP
Everything about this song; its mood, its ambiance, its two magnificent players of their respected instruments, the fact he wrote it for Drake and, oh yeah, did I forget to mention John's lyrics and voice? Mudgette said it: classic!
The irreplaceable John Martyn with his long time cohort Danny T laying down one of John's classic toons.He left behind such a catalogue of music so many have never heard, thankfully I have.
An old girlfriend from South Carlina who has sinced passed away turned me on to the album Solid Air back in 1973 and I just about wore that album out. Such good stuff and John will be greatly missed but his music lives on.
Beautiful love song...only recently discovered Nick's music. Sad that John is no longer showing up in Dublin performing beautiful music. But there are many of ye out there that had the pleasure to be present at one of his many concerrts.
I was just reorganising my room. Going through my vinyl and looking at albums I have not played for many years but keeping them for many other reasons I found Glorious Fool. I decided to look him up in RUclips and just found out he is no longer among us. First time I wrote his name in a "search field". A great loss for sure. R.I.P. John.
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john martyn is such a legend but danny thompson on bass also deserves the same status
Iain Moore Oh yeah! Cat's played with Drake, Buckley, Talk Talk..the list goes on. Great bass player.
He was also a member of a folk/rock band called Pentangle for quite a while
True, Danny Thompson (saw him with Martyn twice) partnered with John, Buckley, Drake, etc. and most recently he plays with Lisa Hannigan on her amazing live version of Nick Drake's "Black Eyed Dog"....
That"s right!Kudos to you for saying that.
Summer evening,wine ,stars above and john martyn. Life doesnt get any better
2 Guys, 10 strings and a couple of bits of wood. What kind of magic is this?
Great line. It really is magic, within us.
i'm agree
Lovely comment.
It's not drug related at all. You were correct with your comment. When you have clinical depression it's like moving through solid air. The song is all about Nick Drake's struggle with his depression. John has described clinical depression very well.
TorkGirl8 Been there, only described mine as walking through a swimming pool full of Jello. I can certainly relate.
I think it can definitely be interpreted that way. I also see it as describing Nick's presence. He was a very mysterious figure who possessed incredible talent and wrote hauntingly beautiful music. He died very young and obscure and there's no footage of him playing, so it was almost as if he wasn't even fully real - like solid air. To good and fragile for this world.
In 1969 I spent an evening around Johns home along with the guy for whom May You Never was written. Much toking and jamming took place. He was a one-off and will be greatly missed. R.I.P. big guy.
I went to see John Martyn and Danny during this tour. Blown away. Two guys and a drumbox. Totally mesmerized the audience.
Michael O'Neill oh man...i Wish i also could have See Them both together live..But i wasnt even born. I Love the "easy Feeling" they both Express together..to such a deep,deep, Song for Nick. My heart Hurt and is overwhelemed (sorry my Bad english)
Amazing song...knowing the back story makes it heartbraking. He so loved and wanted to help friend Nick Drake :(
All these years later and I'm still close to tears at their brilliance.
Every time I listen to his music, my soul feels like a cat that is gently stroked by his soothing tones. The ultimate chill-out music.
Pure glasgow Soul, fantastic
Love this song been listening to it for 30 yrs.Didnt know it was about Nock Drake .Very sad
I can't believe John Martyn has passed from among us.
I was lucky enough to see him at Glastonbury in the mid 80s on the hottest most blissful day imaginable
RIP John .. One of the Greats...
Johns music has been the soundtrack to my life since I was 17. Go down Easy Big Man. Missing you already...xx
Beautiful version of the song that changed my life spiritually and musically. A testament to John Martyn's brilliance in that this album has influenced so many artists so profoundly. The story of Nick Drake is sad but this track seems to almost accidentally refer to the intangible beauty that Drake was trying to reveal during his short time with us. RIP John & Nick and thank you for bringing us something that is truly from the heart.
Jesus, how I have only just discovered John Martyn, this is simply awesome
He's amazing isn't he.
I'm hoping you already discovered Nick Drake, John Renbourn, and Bert Jansch ?
saw John Martin Liverpool stadium 1972 awsome man
we need John Martyn to keep this planet SANE!
Smooth, silky, and so groove-able. And agree with Chris Sutton below - Danny Thompson kicks bass up a notch on this incredible work. Brilliant.
Just sublime, this song figures high on my all time personal favourites, always a joy to hear.
Heard John Martyn track on a german film other night, reminded me what a genius the man is, especially this song.
Martyn was absolutely brilliant in all his incarnations. Danny Thompson is one of the best bassists in the world. They enjoyed a perfectly symbiotic relationship and the world was lucky to experience it.
Garth Henkins yes we were x
Small hours and this...all the way!
Brilliant. Simply brilliant.
The greatest version of this song... beautiful
Rest in peace big fella and thank you so much for everything.
Legend
no wonder im such an anglophile, I fell in love with John Martyn I was 17!...wait its been 38 years already?
did not know he was Scottish...All Anglo saxons to us, numb Frenchies!
Well, born in England to an English mother and Scottish father. Bit of both I'd say.
WOW I CANT SAY THE FEELINGS I GET FROM THIS GREAT SONG FROM A VERY GOOD SONG WRITER GOD BLESS YOU JOHN YOU ARE THE REAL DEAL FEELING SOUL AND HEART WONDERFUL THANK YOU
5 stars aint enough. Thats just incredible.
I'm melting - what a musician and voice. So glad I got to see him one last time.x
Farewell John! You shaped my life and influenced me in a special way. You were unique in your expression and your music will live forever!
Yes, Danny Thompson is an incredible double bassist!! And an amazing, generous man and teacher. I had the honor of playing with him at Sore Fingers Bluegrass Week a few years ago and I will always cherish those moments. This was some of the best music I've ever been involved with in my entire career.
Remember seeing him around this time. Fantastic, but remember how long it took him to tune up between songs. Brilliant though! Danny Thompson, just brilliant as ever!
Moves me to tears I'm speechless❤
Wow!
john's just genius i met him one night in the Kelvingrove Bar in glasgow he had just finnished a nights recording round at theCAVA studios. I remember walking into the bar that night and saw him,he had a good drink in him and i said John Martyn ,and he said ,do you know me and i said i certainly do he said well come over and sit at my table he was on the brandies i was on the lager.we spoke about his music and all the music that he listened to most of i had never heard of.nice guy ,r i p John
:tears: How you helped this soul in hard times brother. RIP Friend
OMG what a completely wonderful recording of a sublime song.
So classy thank you John and Danny
A pair of awesome dudes. I think they had their 'issues' as a duo but musically... they were the dog's doodahs.
So awesome - so sad. My world will be a sadder place with your passing. The body may be gone, but the soul will live forever. Gid Bless you John.
John was a fantastic musician, a generous soul, and will be greatly missed :(
RIP
Saw John Martyn play at Glastonbury many years ago now ..musically a highlight of my life ..the stage ..John alone playing ..lasers across the starry sky ...magic
Hes absolutely on fire in this performance. great stuff!
Seen him a dozen times now and each time he blows you away. A true legend
I saw him live 3 years ago & even though his words where unrecognisable his music still reached my soul. He has been there in my darkist times and my most happiest times. I'm utterly gutted that he's gone. his music was from the heart and you could feel every word he sang. hendrix, morrison, dylan only wished they could of had what came naturally to John Martyn! R.I.P. John. You forever in our hearts.
i seen JM live in glasgow twice both times he was supported by john smith(a young genius!) the second time i seen john he played the full solid air album! 2 great shows i wont forget! did anyone else see that show?
@weemoses a friend of my father's was on the way to a John Martyn gig in Dublin shortly before John passed away.My father's friend stopped into a pub on the way to the gig and was having a drink and got talking to a guy at the bar. He suddenly realised the guy he was talking to was John Martyn. After a few drinks with John he got up to head to the gig. As he was leaving John at the bar he told John, "You'd better bloody show up at the gig!" John laughed turned up and played a great set.
He was just majical natural & brilliant. He left a great body of work & and Danny was just the best !
My dads friend went to this concert man I would have loved to have been alive when this genius played performances like this. A true gem like no other John was he will never be dead. His soul and spirit still lives on music like this is immortal in my opinion.
Danny Thompson is my best friend Peter Mcdonahs cousin peter has sadly passed. We met up with Danny at the Band on the wall swan st. Manchester many years back. John Etteridge on guitar and some guys from Bournemouth orchestra. Just magic. If you read this Danny reply 🎶🐕🎸❤️
Simply a great tune by a great artist.
This is other worldly.
Pure love
For me this is John`s best work with the superb Danny Thompson, thank you for this posting.
Just a mention for the marvellous Danny Thompson as well. These guys are, now sadly were, superb together.
This is talent. When I listen to someone and get envious that I couldn't do a better job, then by God that's talent.
These guys are quite good …. no one touches them in these years
Great video - beautiful memories.
I remember him doing a gig in Queens Hall, Edinburgh - one night a trio, Danny Thompson, JM and a drummer. The next night he had a full band. Only one was truly magical!
Saw him so many times and he never failed to touch my heart,even when he was all electric.
Last time at Dolans in Limerick.
So sad we wont see or hear him again.
This is from a concert the day before I was born, and yet it still seems timeless. I'm fairly convinced their won't be any musician nearly as innovative as him in my lifetime.
Lovely, the bass is just wonderful!
The upright bass sounds perfect with the guitar. Lovely
Never seen him live, but listening to his music a lot at the minute, so it was truly excellent to see this. Thanks!
Thank you for bringing your wonderful music into my life john! Rest in peace
Inspired rendition. Thompson on fire.
John Martyn, The guv'nor. 'Nuff said.
Love the scots voice at the end "Now don't fall over" when John reaches for another guitar!
superb.
sad sad day your with angels john..not walking on solid air...what a loss to music rip matexx
So glad my pops introduced john to me as a kid in the eighties. Am approaching thirty and still loving - and now missing - him
Listening to this on Christmas Eve what a magical song. To be written for a man such of calibre of nick drake only shows the capabilities of John Martyn. Two outstanding musicians. Be kind to yourself and to others and merry Christmas to all x
I saw him in Dublin on one of those nights , he was a brilliant performer. Still love this album..
+fiona cahill I worked at that gig , Had some beers after the show with john and his crew, what a memorable time :D
Paul Oshea oh wow ye jammy git!! I got a wink and a wave cos he met my boyfriend once before at a gig in Holland. I was only 18 but I lived and breathed that album. Loved his magical voice.
he has such an amazing voice
First saw John at the Elephant Fayre in Cornwall back in 1984 and he was unforgettable! Gonna miss you Mr Martyn!
1987 habe ich das erste Mal John Martyn gehört!
Seitdem habe ich ihn oder hat er mich?
Rest in Peace!
A great man he will be missed very much
1 guitar + 1 double bass + 1 voice = Pure excellence.
Thanks John you Legend! May you rest in peace fella!
Cette voix et ce jeu de guitare... John Martyn, ce fut un grand.
Happy memories - was in the third row somewhere there
Be your own hero. He wasn't here to be your hero, he was here to give us all pleasure. Pure pleasure to our ears. Visuals are overrated. I could care less what an artist looks like, most of the time I close my eyes and really get a good listen on. warm winds John, you will live forever.
A true masterclass on acoustic intensity.
This song, the composer/singer, the artist it was originally meant for and the introduction quote ("had a bit of trouble in his nut") makes ya spit out delightful expletives that aren't appropriate for anyone but yourself. This clip right here is why I love music. RIP John and Nick. Thank you so much for what you contributed to our world and lifetimes.
I first saw him in bradford uni in circa 1980.unbelievable can't stop feeling the rythm from from the very beginning. never stopped listening to him since
seen this man do his stuff 3 or 4 times and each time for one reason or another missed solid air, till one night in cambridge i left a happy man.
With you all the way on that one.🌵
Gracias John!!!
truly amazing! so many memories with this song and the album
I first saw John live in '82 & regularly ever since, my last 3 gigs were after his amputation & I was so shocked by how much he'd let himself go. A superb musician but obviously stubborn as a mule when it came to giving up the booze & dope, it's sad that he never got on top of his addictions but I am so glad that I saw him in his prime as the last few years were just painful to see what a slurring, mumbling mess he'd become, being carried by his band (literally & metaphorically).
A legend - RIP
Had the privilege of seeing John in Glasgow in 2007 with some mates and it was one of the most memorable gigs I've seen. Legend RIP
i lived in brighton for 9 years and was fortunate to see him 3 times...brilliant man,so funny and one of a kind.
John is beyond time itself...there is no where he music did not venture, we are all so lucky to have ever had him in our lifes, in any sense.
Everything about this song; its mood, its ambiance, its two magnificent players of their respected instruments, the fact he wrote it for Drake and, oh yeah, did I forget to mention John's lyrics and voice? Mudgette said it: classic!
The irreplaceable John Martyn with his long time cohort Danny T laying down one of John's classic toons.He left behind such a catalogue of music so many have never heard, thankfully I have.
great song, cant beat it in any situation, in a meal, date, relaxation time, work, cant beat it ;)
Absolute quality , two greats, and yes indeed superb Bass playing from Danny Thompson. 20 dislikes, beyond me.
An old girlfriend from South Carlina who has sinced passed away turned me on to the album Solid Air back in 1973 and I just about wore that album out. Such good stuff and John will be greatly missed but his music lives on.
a stunning beautiful version of the song
the chemistry between john and danny was mesmerising
r.i.p curly haired boy
Beautiful love song...only recently discovered Nick's music. Sad that John is no longer showing up in Dublin performing beautiful music. But there are many of ye out there that had the pleasure to be present at one of his many concerrts.
I was just reorganising my room. Going through my vinyl and looking at albums I have not played for many years but keeping them for many other reasons I found Glorious Fool. I decided to look him up in RUclips and just found out he is no longer among us. First time I wrote his name in a "search field". A great loss for sure. R.I.P. John.