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Event ReviewsYou are in: Liverpool > Entertainment > Music > Event Reviews > John Martyn @ Philharmonic  Legend: John Martyn John Martyn @ PhilharmonicBy site contributor Elly Roberts Britain’s love affair with John Martyn continues with yet another triumphant return to Liverpool. The legendary singer-songwriter was performing tracks from his classic album, Solid Air. Anyone who’s been to a gig by Iain David McGeachy, aka John Martyn, will know they’re in for a very special experience. This night was no exception. The only difference being, this show was mainly devoted to a ground -breaking album from 1973, with extra songs topping and tailing the main set. Considering it never charted, fans still have an enduring love affair with the masterpiece that is Solid Air. It effectively signaled a change in musical direction from Folk/Blues towards more idiosyncratic Jazz leanings along with a new slurred vocal style, which he retains to this day. Released in February 1973, his sixth album, it regularly makes the Top 100 best albums of all time. No surprises there.  Solid Air: John Martyn's classic album For over and hour and twenty minutes, jolly 59 year-old Martyn held court in customary fashion. Doing an aeroplane impression, he was wheeled on by his tour manager; it brought cheers and laughter from the thrilled 1,600 capacity crowd. The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter unleashed his set with Cool Tide (Grace & Danger 1980) and Looking On (Cool Tide 1991). Leaning back in his wheelchair and guitar perched on his bulky frame, he gently strummed away on the divine jazzy ditty, with band mates Alan Thomson (bass) Arran Ahmun (drums) Foster Paterson (keys) and Martin Winning ( sax ) allowing Martyn’s wailing guitar to engulf the venue, and Winning’s sublime sax solos adding the sensual textures. MesmerizingInto the main set, played in non-chronological order, the more upbeat Dreams By The Sea was greeted by whistles and cheers. Every song was spliced by regular banter which Martyn relished by giggling and responding in his now typical mumbled style. Manning again stole the show with some blistering solos on Dreams, toning it down with equal effect for the floaty / sensual The Man At The Station. Strumming the opening chords for Over The Hill cheers rang out again for this less complicated song on the album, though competition between guitar and Thomson’s mandolin proved fascinating.
It was quickly segued by the mesmerizing I Don’t Want To Know About Love. Martyn’s pained and tangled expressions conveyed the sentiments to perfection. A quick guitar change and the sharp chords of May You Never brought further crowd responses. After a brief blip, a re-started Jelly Roll cruised wonderfully with Martyn showcasing some deft digital dexterity. Picking up a pace on a keys and sax drenched I’d Rather Be The Devil, it seemed to come and go too quickly, whereas the cool and gentle opening of Go Down Easy lowered the pace and atmosphere, while his now gruff singing transformed the original version as flute, keys and percussion floated together in a neo-Jazz template, making it the best of the night. On the hour, he closed the main set with Solid Air – a tribute to deceased friend and label-mate Nick Drake that was once again transformed by Martyn’s gravel-like vocals. After the band intros, he capped off a magnificent night with a gospel infused gem, Rock Salt and Nails and divine soulful ballad Never Let Me Go which brought a rousing cheer and standing ovation. Job done, he was wheeled off to his dressing room, for a well earned cuppa!  John Smith In support John Smith we have a potential rising star. A sound-alike for Ray Lamontagne, the Devonian, now based in Liverpool for the past seven years, showed why he’s supporting the likes of John Martyn with a good range of material. Promoting his latest CD, The Fox And The Monk, Smith delivered a consummate set, off-set by some quick-fire humour. His songwriting has great depth showcased on percussive lead Winter a rambling acoustic ballad. For So, So, he place paper under the strings, showing his interest in sound effects, which he took too far on the closing number. Green Man, a lightweight ballad, was well received, as were all his songs. last updated: 25/06/07 SEE ALSOYou are in: Liverpool > Entertainment > Music > Event Reviews > John Martyn @ Philharmonic |
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