John Martyn composed this melody and lyrics for his dear friend, the magnificent Nick Drake, when Nick Drake died in 1974 at 26 years old having left behind only three albums of dazzling beauty....John Martyn was as exuberant as Nick was reserved but they left Behind them is a marvel...it's very different from what you listen to but look into the work of Nick Drake if you can, I think it will touch you I'm sure... River man Things behind the sun Day is done ....
@@joyceharkin3641 Sandy Grey of Johns 1st album is also about Nick Drake, though John didnt even know Nick at this point, as it was written by an american woman who had met Nick in France
Hard to go wrong with any John Martyn from that era. Minor correction: the upright bass is Danny Thompson (an utter legend). Some of tracks on that album instead have bass guitar, and THOSE would be Dave Pegg.
Well worth checking out John and Danny's version of this from the BBC's Transatlantic Sessions. A stunning piece of work. ruclips.net/video/uvCU1U2rhB0/видео.html
The genius that is John Martyn. To fully appreciate his guitar playing and use of alternative tunings you need to view live footage, both as a solo artist and with a full band. Had the pleasure to see him multiple times, and then the last concern just a month prior to his passing I met him and I felt so privileged. Love your channel.
The key to understand John Martyn’s vocal style is knowing that what he was trying to do what some classic jazz saxophone players were doing, slurring notes.
I was lucky to see John live several times - he was able to completly mesmerise an audience - you just fell into his spell - great memories of some great music back in the day.
A rich and diverse catalog the man had. Check out his early songs (Stormbringer was covered really well by Beck), a mix of British trad and Dylan. He came into his own with his album Bless The Weather (that jazzy folk feeling), Solid Air is probably his greatest. He moved beyond with One World, working with Steve Winwood and Phil Collins (notably on Grace & Danger).
I think that was Danny Thompson on bass. Danny is one of the music world's greatest acoustic bass players, and he was an original member of the band Pentangle. Dave Pegg is also incredible, but he plays the electric bass, and on this cut it's an acoustic. I like the cut "Go Down Easy" on this album.
I saw Big John more than any other artist around the UK, and he always produced the goods. He also was a funny bloke, so concerts were usually good fun. He seemed to be perpetually on tour and I saw him solo, in a duo, a quartet & quintet. RIP Big John.
Saw John live many, many times, from his intimate solo concerts to being supported by full backing bands. John Martyn mixed blues, folk, rock and jazz in his unique way. In the decades way before digital delays and Looper pedals, John was known for his use of an Echoplex machine, which used a physical tape loop mechanism to build up rhythmic delay patterns, which he would improvise against. For this song he does have his acoustic tuned down to an open tuning that's pretty low, but I think what you were referring to is actually Danny Thompson's superb raspy upright acoustic bass lines. Danny toured and recorded with John on and off over most of John's career, and their stories of excess on tour are legendary. This song is about Nick Drake, a tragic singer-songwriter who died young, that shared the same record label as Martyn. The whole 'Solid air' album is definitely worthy of a reaction video of it's own, every track is fantastic.
@@ChrisEchoes Thx Chris, you're correct, it was Pentangle. Danny also played on so many albums that I wasn't aware of. He's contributed to albums by Kate Bush, Donovan, Nick Drake, Peter Gabriel, Alison Moyet, Talk Talk, Tim Buckley, ABC, David Sylvian, T.Rex, Rod Stewart and so many more. He was even on the theme tune to 'Thunderbirds'!
But....here (and most of the time in his career) Danny Thompson play contrabass, not bass. And he gives that "jazzy" atmosphere. (Dave Pegg Don't play on this track)
I was just thinking John Martyn and 30 seconds later I scrolled down and found this. Loved your Zszolid reaction to it; you were always going to love it, of course. It's one for the ages.
John Martin was fairly drunk and high on weed most of the time, which probably contributed to his slurred vocals. But as long as he held it together he was amazing. If you want t to hear Danny Thompson on double bass/bass fiddle, you could dip into his main band Pentangle which is a fusion of traditional British folk and jazz/blues. They had two virtuoso and seminal acoustic guitarists, one of the most beautiful female voices of that era, plus Danny doing his iconic thing on bass and a delicate, intricate jazz drummer. They were a massive influence on later artists.
John has been a major player in the theme music to my life. So many great tunes. One of the greats. You should check out Roy Harper as well. Another guy who isn't well known enough.
I have been waiting for you to get to more John Martyn, I have been lucky enough to have seen John live many, many times. He always delivered. His album "One World" is in my all time top 10. An album, like "Blue" by Joni Mitchell that I would not want to be without. Try the title track "One World" from the album, or live. Also "Couldn't love you more" from the same album. You have covered "Small Hours".
Hi L33 i'm so glad you enjoyed this one too... NOW, you aren't like the other social media people out there.... there are very few people that can take what we all suggest for you and process it so intelligently. Why do you think the patreon has grown... It's becuase guys and gals like me realise you want to be exposed to when we knew was a sublime time in music making. And of course we are all so glad that you love having so many rabbt holes in the floor.... That made me laugh... Spot on with the longing part... the song is a lament for the troubles that John's friend Nick Drake was going through. John Martyn gradually shifted from his folk roots and eventually started playing solely the electric guitar but still with the effects.. and also drifted into a jazz / rock hybrid. with of course those distinctive slurred vocals being as much part of the instrumentation. Well, I'm going to have to move up a tier and also come up with another, hopefully as good, sound for you to hear next month. Probably be a new musician.. hope you don't mind..!!
@@L33Reacts i suggest to listen "Over the Hills" from the same album. It's not "Jazz", but a personal interpretation of folk-rock music. From the same album, if you want to go in far and wonderful places, try "Go down Easy" and "Dreams by the Sea". I also suggest this great live version of "Solid Air", featuting only John Martyn, his acoustic Guitar....and a broken string! ruclips.net/video/qDcJgF8baDE/видео.htmlsi=PUCOxSFPSpHoTMPz
Great singer, guitarist & songwriter. R.I.P. John. Check out John Bundrick's song "Don't You Leave Me Babe". It's a jumpin' tune. I also have the metabolism of a hummingbird and I'm 74.
He's also a deceptively good guitarist, which you can perhaps hear most clearly on "Inside Out", his most electric and way out album. "Live at Leeds" with Danny Thompson and John Stevens, which he released himself since his record company didn't want to know, is another great example of his capabilities (and his humour).
John Martyn composed this melody and lyrics for his dear friend, the magnificent Nick Drake, when Nick Drake died in 1974 at 26 years old having left behind only three albums of dazzling beauty....John Martyn was as exuberant as Nick was reserved but they left Behind them is a marvel...it's very different from what you listen to but look into the work of Nick Drake if you can, I think it will touch you I'm sure...
River man
Things behind the sun
Day is done
....
Another vote for Nick Drake, I’d suggest Fruit Tree
@@stephentatterton4766 I would suggest all of Nick Drake's work...I agree
Thank you - I didn't know that - every day's a school day!
@@joyceharkin3641 Sandy Grey of Johns 1st album is also about Nick Drake, though John didnt even know Nick at this point, as it was written by an american woman who had met Nick in France
another absoloute classic
Its a shame that this has had so few views. He was a truly great talent and this one of his best songs.
Hard to go wrong with any John Martyn from that era. Minor correction: the upright bass is Danny Thompson (an utter legend). Some of tracks on that album instead have bass guitar, and THOSE would be Dave Pegg.
Well worth checking out John and Danny's version of this from the BBC's Transatlantic Sessions. A stunning piece of work.
ruclips.net/video/uvCU1U2rhB0/видео.html
The genius that is John Martyn. To fully appreciate his guitar playing and use of alternative tunings you need to view live footage, both as a solo artist and with a full band. Had the pleasure to see him multiple times, and then the last concern just a month prior to his passing I met him and I felt so privileged. Love your channel.
Massively impressed you’re reviewing John Martyn. This album is a gem. Autumnal evenings, fire blazing and a glass of red.
The key to understand John Martyn’s vocal style is knowing that what he was trying to do what some classic jazz saxophone players were doing, slurring notes.
Rather simplistic, but true-ish, sir listener... close enough for these purposes. ~ ~ Rock --and jazz-- on!
John was a master of mood and feel, he also attracted fantastic musicians to play with him.
Nice pick. Martyn is really great
I was lucky to see John live several times - he was able to completly mesmerise an audience - you just fell into his spell - great memories of some great music back in the day.
A rich and diverse catalog the man had. Check out his early songs (Stormbringer was covered really well by Beck), a mix of British trad and Dylan. He came into his own with his album Bless The Weather (that jazzy folk feeling), Solid Air is probably his greatest. He moved beyond with One World, working with Steve Winwood and Phil Collins (notably on Grace & Danger).
I think that was Danny Thompson on bass. Danny is one of the music world's greatest acoustic bass players, and he was an original member of the band Pentangle. Dave Pegg is also incredible, but he plays the electric bass, and on this cut it's an acoustic. I like the cut "Go Down Easy" on this album.
I saw Big John more than any other artist around the UK, and he always produced the goods. He also was a funny bloke, so concerts were usually good fun. He seemed to be perpetually on tour and I saw him solo, in a duo, a quartet & quintet. RIP Big John.
Saw John live many, many times, from his intimate solo concerts to being supported by full backing bands. John Martyn mixed blues, folk, rock and jazz in his unique way. In the decades way before digital delays and Looper pedals, John was known for his use of an Echoplex machine, which used a physical tape loop mechanism to build up rhythmic delay patterns, which he would improvise against. For this song he does have his acoustic tuned down to an open tuning that's pretty low, but I think what you were referring to is actually Danny Thompson's superb raspy upright acoustic bass lines. Danny toured and recorded with John on and off over most of John's career, and their stories of excess on tour are legendary. This song is about Nick Drake, a tragic singer-songwriter who died young, that shared the same record label as Martyn. The whole 'Solid air' album is definitely worthy of a reaction video of it's own, every track is fantastic.
I might be wrong but Danny Thompson was not a member of Fairport Convention but he was an integral part of Pentangle.
@@ChrisEchoes Thx Chris, you're correct, it was Pentangle. Danny also played on so many albums that I wasn't aware of. He's contributed to albums by Kate Bush, Donovan, Nick Drake, Peter Gabriel, Alison Moyet, Talk Talk, Tim Buckley, ABC, David Sylvian, T.Rex, Rod Stewart and so many more. He was even on the theme tune to 'Thunderbirds'!
But....here (and most of the time in his career) Danny Thompson play contrabass, not bass. And he gives that "jazzy" atmosphere. (Dave Pegg Don't play on this track)
I was just thinking John Martyn and 30 seconds later I scrolled down and found this. Loved your Zszolid reaction to it; you were always going to love it, of course. It's one for the ages.
John Martin was fairly drunk and high on weed most of the time, which probably contributed to his slurred vocals. But as long as he held it together he was amazing.
If you want t to hear Danny Thompson on double bass/bass fiddle, you could dip into his main band Pentangle which is a fusion of traditional British folk and jazz/blues. They had two virtuoso and seminal acoustic guitarists, one of the most beautiful female voices of that era, plus Danny doing his iconic thing on bass and a delicate, intricate jazz drummer. They were a massive influence on later artists.
Danny has done tons of exceptional work with Richard Thompson too.
One wold needs a listen to
John has been a major player in the theme music to my life. So many great tunes. One of the greats. You should check out Roy Harper as well. Another guy who isn't well known enough.
The master.
Loved John Martyn and had the great pleasure of seeing him live in Edinburgh . Fabulous concert ❤
I have been waiting for you to get to more John Martyn, I have been lucky enough to have seen John live many, many times. He always delivered. His album "One World" is in my all time top 10. An album, like "Blue" by Joni Mitchell that I would not want to be without. Try the title track "One World" from the album, or live. Also "Couldn't love you more" from the same album. You have covered "Small Hours".
the upright bass in this track is Danny Thompson
Saw John many times..he was either wasted and shit or wasted and insanely great..
Now we’re talking probably the 3rd album l bought 73 you should listen to more ❤❤❤
Hi L33 i'm so glad you enjoyed this one too... NOW, you aren't like the other social media people out there.... there are very few people that can take what we all suggest for you and process it so intelligently. Why do you think the patreon has grown... It's becuase guys and gals like me realise you want to be exposed to when we knew was a sublime time in music making. And of course we are all so glad that you love having so many rabbt holes in the floor.... That made me laugh... Spot on with the longing part... the song is a lament for the troubles that John's friend Nick Drake was going through. John Martyn gradually shifted from his folk roots and eventually started playing solely the electric guitar but still with the effects.. and also drifted into a jazz / rock hybrid. with of course those distinctive slurred vocals being as much part of the instrumentation. Well, I'm going to have to move up a tier and also come up with another, hopefully as good, sound for you to hear next month. Probably be a new musician.. hope you don't mind..!!
Oh, I think the saxophone was played by Chris Wood, who was in Traffic with Steve Winwood and drummer Jim Capaldi.
Think it might have been Tony coe
@@gerardodoherty9178 Yes, I checked and you are correct. I mixed it up with the album ‘Inside Out’.
Lionel Hampton - knowing his music made me appreciate this song more.
That was awesome thanks for showing me a new genr
John was fantastic. You've going to enjoy his catalogue a great deal.
Phil Collins was a good mate of his and even played on an album for him
That's Grace And Danger, a fantastic album.
@@TheoZoffroksome of Phil Collins' best drumming, imo. So complementary to the songs.
Dreams by the Sea from the same album is incredible :)
I absolutely love John Martyn, this album is great. I'm not a hardcore Jazz fan but Martyn is really great for my taste.
I really enjoyed the jazziness of this track. It balanced out well with John's style
@@L33Reacts i suggest to listen "Over the Hills" from the same album. It's not "Jazz", but a personal interpretation of folk-rock music. From the same album, if you want to go in far and wonderful places, try "Go down Easy" and "Dreams by the Sea". I also suggest this great live version of "Solid Air", featuting only John Martyn, his acoustic Guitar....and a broken string!
ruclips.net/video/qDcJgF8baDE/видео.htmlsi=PUCOxSFPSpHoTMPz
Great singer, guitarist & songwriter. R.I.P. John. Check out John Bundrick's song "Don't You Leave Me Babe". It's a jumpin' tune. I also have the metabolism of a hummingbird and I'm 74.
He's also a deceptively good guitarist, which you can perhaps hear most clearly on "Inside Out", his most electric and way out album.
"Live at Leeds" with Danny Thompson and John Stevens, which he released himself since his record company didn't want to know, is another great example of his capabilities (and his humour).
JOHN is the big painkiller….
Bass bass bass …