Discussion
I've long been a John Martyn fan and have several of his albums. His guitar playing broke new ground.
https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/why-john-martyn-was-an-underrated-guitar-genius
Much in the same way that his tunings were selected for fullness and warmth, to make up for the lack of other instrumentation, Martyn’s slap-and-pop technique adds rhythm and bite. In a sense, his right thumb was his drummer.'
@BobLefridge I'm jealous. I've only seen video of him performing live.
For me his Sweetwaters gig was the best. First half acoustic, 2nd half electric. It was a beautiful evening with a great crowd and he really enjoyed himself.
When he finished, Elvis Costello & the Attractions were up next. It was a helluva night.
Age and alcohol slowed John Martyn down. There was a London gig with a big band but his performance lacked soul. Less passion, more contractual obligation to a record company.
The last gig I caught was in a pub in South London on a weekday. I went on my own and it was sweaty, noisy and gutsy as fuck. The real John Martyn, just older.
I played a live version of him doing "Over the Rainbow" at my Mum's funeral. People cried.
I still love his work.
He's my guitar hero. I first saw him at Sweetwaters festival in 1980. It was just on sunset and we were in the front row. Martyn came onto the stage smoking a joint which he threw into the audience. The crowd responded by throwing joints onto the stage... loads of them. Welcome to New Zealand.
Between every number he'd pick up a joint, light it, take a couple of puffs then throw it into the audience. We caught one of them so I can modestly say I shared a joint with John Martyn.
Also caught him at Mainstreet in Auckland and twice in the UK. He was better without a backing band. Just John and his echo box and his music was sublime.
@elsemusic