John was a close friend of Nick and wrote this before he died. It was not his intention for Nick to sing it. The bassist is the legendary Danny Thompson who had a long association with John.
The late great John Martyn. A wonderful lyricist, an amazing guitarist, and a voice that was sublime. His body of work is among the greatest. He was respected by his fellow musicians, though at times he was an absolute pain in the ass to friends and foes alike. It would not be a waste of anyone's time to explore his catalogue further.
I discovered John way back and I think 1971. I reviewed albums for a library chain magazine called listening post and one of the records they sent me was Sunday’s child by John Martyn . I fell in love with a guy. I remember how much I loved one song called root love. This song as you all know was written about his dear brilliant friend Nick Drake Nic, and Beverly John’s wife were very close friends too, and John had a really really weird sense of humor which I won’t go into about Nic having sex with his wife and the thing about Nic was I’m not sure now. Is anyone else sure he ever had sex with anyone, but anyway, John Martin was great
When he was playing live and sober, John Martyn had an accent like a posh English gentleman. When he’d had a few drinks in the dressing room he was broad Glaswegian (for American readers that would be ‘unintelligible Scottish from Glasgow 😊) Either way he was an unclassifiable, albeit troubled, genius. Danny Thompson on the bass btw.
Saw JM many times live on one occasion he was in the bar and as a pimply youth I approached and asked what tuning he used on this. His keyboard player told me to take a hike. Later JM came over and gave me a beer mat with some tunings scribbled on the back. What a great guy
First time hearing and listening to him. Very glad to take the opportunity to listen and you guys to post. I will check out more of his material. ❤ The bluesy guitar Reminded me of Peter Green stuff.
Nick and John were friends, I love the line "I don't know what's going wrong in your mind but I can see you just can't stand what you find". It's very moving and sad to know John could see his friend getting more and more depressed but didn't know how to help.
Nick never had an outgoing personality. Once he arrived at the office of his management where he sat in a chair in the hall and never moved or talked to anyone for the whole day. I always took this song as a description of his friend Nick Drake. Obviously Nick was afraid of moving and disturbing the air. Maybe I'm just way off the mark but regardless I always loved this song and many of John's other tunes.
Was fortunate enough to have seen John live several times and every time was such an intense and beautiful experience. Could I suggest if your so inclined to take a listen to "Couldn't Love You More' from his album" One World"
I've never seen this clip before. Fab song (as is the whole album), what a mesmeric performer he was. Special props to the genius that is Danny Thompson on double bass. Incidentally, the question of whether John Martyn was Scottish or not is undetermined. From his accent, he obviously doesn't sound Scottish at all. He might have had Scottish roots, and occasionally he'd affect a Scottish accent, but in many ways he was English.
Danny Thompson has played for everyone and his dog, making his name initially in the folk/jazz quintet Pentangle, which was more folk biased with drums, two acoustic guitarists and a female singer, who made their name in the late 1960s and into the 1970s, but reformed once or twice later.
Martyn released the Solid Air album in 1973; Nick Drake died in 1974. So pre-suicide composition. A fantastic album. Includes "Don't want to know about Evil", which Dr. John covered and was included in the True Blood soundtrack.
Excellent choice! I love John Martyn! I just subscribed to your channel. I love what I've seen so far. I would love to suggest some artists for you to react to. I would really like your honest opinion on them. Stay tuned.
At last, he was a difficult man but absolutely adore his voice and music. There is a BBC documentary of him older living in Ireland after he had had a leg amputated which is worth checking out. Also interviews with the legendary double bassist Danny Thompson.
Try “Small Hours” off the album “One World”. …. and chill. You won’t regret it. Recorded live beside a lake behind the studio. You can hear the geese calling. And Stevie Winwood on keyboard textures. An absolute gem. As is the album from which this track is taken and another released from a similar period ‘Inside Out’.
There are hilarious stories of John and Danny Thompson, his bassist, whilst on the road. One time after having a fight and John had two black eyes, on stage, Danny said, ‘Ild black eyes is back’, an echo of when Sinatra returned with ‘Old blue eyes is back’. Another time they both stripped on stage until hiding behind their musical instruments.
John Martyn (Scottish/English, not Irish) He wrote it for Nick. When Nick heard it, he didn't realise it was for him and said the song was good. (FYI- John Martyn was born in England but raised in Scotland by his Scottish fathe and grandmother, making few trips to visit his mother, in England)
I live in France and my ex (also a Brit) lives 5 minutes away in a rented house. It's owned by a couple of Scots who used to do lighting for JM on tour (and Simple Minds, too). They say great musician, awful person. Not the first time I've heard that. I bought this album when it came out in 73, and everything since. I saw him live in 79 and he was brilliant. You should check out a BBC live video of I'd Rather be the Devil to see JM's mastery of the Echoplex and rhythm.
I had the absolute privilege of seeing John Martyn live in Aberdeen (Scotland) in 1978. Utterly spellbinding performance.
John was a close friend of Nick and wrote this before he died. It was not his intention for Nick to sing it.
The bassist is the legendary Danny Thompson who had a long association with John.
Danny Thompson was also Nick Drake's bassist sometimes
The late great John Martyn. A wonderful lyricist, an amazing guitarist, and a voice that was sublime. His body of work is among the greatest. He was respected by his fellow musicians, though at times he was an absolute pain in the ass to friends and foes alike. It would not be a waste of anyone's time to explore his catalogue further.
I discovered John way back and I think 1971. I reviewed albums for a library chain magazine called listening post and one of the records they sent me was Sunday’s child by John Martyn . I fell in love with a guy. I remember how much I loved one song called root love. This song as you all know was written about his dear brilliant friend Nick Drake Nic, and Beverly John’s wife were very close friends too, and John had a really really weird sense of humor which I won’t go into about Nic having sex with his wife and the thing about Nic was I’m not sure now. Is anyone else sure he ever had sex with anyone, but anyway, John Martin was great
Studio version has a cool vibraphone accompaniment. This whole album is sweet. I also love "don't wanna know about evil" & "go down easy".
One of my favourite John Martyn songs. Good choice!
An absolute legend of an artist, fantastic guitarist and vocalist.
When he was playing live and sober, John Martyn had an accent like a posh English gentleman. When he’d had a few drinks in the dressing room he was broad Glaswegian (for American readers that would be ‘unintelligible Scottish from Glasgow 😊) Either way he was an unclassifiable, albeit troubled, genius. Danny Thompson on the bass btw.
LOL love a nice Glaswegian accent 😂 shoutout to John of being amazing, and shoutout to you for being here!
Saw JM many times live on one occasion he was in the bar and as a pimply youth I approached and asked what tuning he used on this. His keyboard player told me to take a hike. Later JM came over and gave me a beer mat with some tunings scribbled on the back. What a great guy
Great story, thanks for sharing!
One of the all time greats of music.
45 years after I first heard this it still hits me.
John was almost in permanent touring mode. I saw him more than any other artist all around the UK solo, duo, quartet & quintet. Always a good show.
First time hearing and listening to him. Very glad to take the opportunity to listen and you guys to post. I will check out more of his material. ❤ The bluesy guitar Reminded me of Peter Green stuff.
Such a deep and mellow groove! Very soulful. Amazing bass. Sifa is spot-on about Sadè. RIP Nick and John
The next song from that concert sweet little mystery is a good one
In fact it's the song before
John Martyn was a brilliant artist and musician.. He was a great friend of Nick Drake and this song is a tribute to him
Nick and John were friends, I love the line "I don't know what's going wrong in your mind but I can see you just can't stand what you find". It's very moving and sad to know John could see his friend getting more and more depressed but didn't know how to help.
Nick never had an outgoing personality. Once he arrived at the office of his management where he sat in a chair in the hall and never moved or talked to anyone for the whole day. I always took this song as a description of his friend Nick Drake. Obviously Nick was afraid of moving and disturbing the air. Maybe I'm just way off the mark but regardless I always loved this song and many of John's other tunes.
Was fortunate enough to have seen John live several times and every time was such an intense and beautiful experience. Could I suggest if your so inclined to take a listen to "Couldn't Love You More' from his album" One World"
I've never seen this clip before. Fab song (as is the whole album), what a mesmeric performer he was. Special props to the genius that is Danny Thompson on double bass. Incidentally, the question of whether John Martyn was Scottish or not is undetermined. From his accent, he obviously doesn't sound Scottish at all. He might have had Scottish roots, and occasionally he'd affect a Scottish accent, but in many ways he was English.
Danny Thompson has played for everyone and his dog, making his name initially in the folk/jazz quintet Pentangle, which was more folk biased with drums, two acoustic guitarists and a female singer, who made their name in the late 1960s and into the 1970s, but reformed once or twice later.
Martyn released the Solid Air album in 1973; Nick Drake died in 1974. So pre-suicide composition. A fantastic album. Includes "Don't want to know about Evil", which Dr. John covered and was included in the True Blood soundtrack.
Excellent choice! I love John Martyn! I just subscribed to your channel. I love what I've seen so far. I would love to suggest some artists for you to react to. I would really like your honest opinion on them. Stay tuned.
Suggest it on our Patreon ❤️. Thanks for watching!
At last, he was a difficult man but absolutely adore his voice and music. There is a BBC documentary of him older living in Ireland after he had had a leg amputated which is worth checking out. Also interviews with the legendary double bassist Danny Thompson.
Try “Small Hours” off the album “One World”. …. and chill. You won’t regret it. Recorded live beside a lake behind the studio. You can hear the geese calling. And Stevie Winwood on keyboard textures. An absolute gem. As is the album from which this track is taken and another released from a similar period ‘Inside Out’.
Small hours live is unbelievable!!!
I think that because Nick Drake seemed to eat very little, and was so slim, John said he appeared to live on just solid air.
great songwriter, great singer, great guitarist - please try May you never at the old grey whistle test.............
Great reaction! I've seen John play many times. You should listen to the whole Solid Air album and One World.
There are hilarious stories of John and Danny Thompson, his bassist, whilst on the road. One time after having a fight and John had two black eyes, on stage, Danny said, ‘Ild black eyes is back’, an echo of when Sinatra returned with ‘Old blue eyes is back’. Another time they both stripped on stage until hiding behind their musical instruments.
Hilarious indeed! Thanks for sharing!
Really interesting to hear your critique of this classic song. Tons more JM classic tunes. Best wishes to you both.👍
Thanks Winston! Stay well!
John Martyn (Scottish/English, not Irish)
He wrote it for Nick.
When Nick heard it, he didn't realise it was for him and said the song was good.
(FYI- John Martyn was born in England but raised in Scotland by his Scottish fathe and grandmother, making few trips to visit his mother, in England)
Thanks for the info Pamela!
I am a huge fan of Nick Drake as well as John Martyn. Both on the Island record label.
Scottish, not Irish. Your point still stands though. The Celtic soul is deep.
The amazing Danny Thompson on double bass, check out the band he was in - Pentangle.
I live in France and my ex (also a Brit) lives 5 minutes away in a rented house. It's owned by a couple of Scots who used to do lighting for JM on tour (and Simple Minds, too). They say great musician, awful person. Not the first time I've heard that. I bought this album when it came out in 73, and everything since. I saw him live in 79 and he was brilliant. You should check out a BBC live video of I'd Rather be the Devil to see JM's mastery of the Echoplex and rhythm.
Saw John Martyn at the Playhouse in Edinburgh many years ago brilliant concert. By the way, John was Scottish .
Oh wow, thanks for the correction!
Correction he is half Scottish half English born in new maulden Surrey but did grow up in Glasgow born to a Scottish dad and Belgian mother
@@davidstorey2368and he classed himself as Scottish now do one clown
Apparently John got frustrated with Nick just sitting in a chair for hours not speaking and exclaimed, "mate, you're like solid air"
🙏
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Love this track and if you want to react to a Nick Drake try Fruit Tree. Where Nick Drake predicted his own fate.
I think solid air refers to a substance which Nick enjoyed a little too much...
Oof
I think this revolutionised what a singer songwriter could do. Ed Sheeran should listen to this and promptly retire.
Agreed sarde would have covered this song well. John Martyn, exceptional talent but flawed hedonistic character. Dead at 60 .