Thursday, January 29, 2009

John Martyn (1948 – 2009)


The passing today of John Martyn will strike a chord with many who have come into contact with the man’s songs. His best music hits deep into the subconscious and leaves its mark there forever.

His best work was done when signed to Island Records in the 70’s where he joined a formidable roster of acts that included Fairport Convention and his friend Nick Drake. He made a slew of albums that are deemed classics now. For me the run of albums from 1971’s “Bless The Weather” up to 1977’s “One World” are faultless in their quality, Martyn experimenting with form and style.

My one memory of him which will linger forever is seeing him on TV (not sure which programme), where he was sat on a stool simply playing a song just accompanied by his guitar. All of a sudden he switches in his echoplex delay unit and his guitar suddenly takes off into weird flights of musical delight. This is not what singer/ songwriters do. But Martyn was a restless spirit, always wanting to push the boundaries and not just musical ones!

John Martyn was one of a kind and his position as one of our greatest musical artists is safely secured by the legacy he leaves us. He is gone, but his music lives with us forever.

3 Comments:

Blogger GuyManning said...

I suppose we have to get used to this as we get older...but it is really sad to see an all time hero of mine passing. Happily, his songs will live on

8:10 PM  
Blogger GuyManning said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

8:10 PM  
Blogger Barrie Sillars said...

The problem is when someone whose music has meant a lot to you personally over the years passes away it hits hard!I suppose we better get used to it.

8:49 AM  

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