John Martyn - On Air

Title: On Air Artist: John Martyn Release Date: 8/15/2006 Label: Tradition & Moderne Album Type(s): Greatest Hits UPC: 4015698664225 Genre: Folk Styles: Singer/Songwriter, British Folk, Contemporary Folk, Progressive Folk Moods: Brooding, Intimate, Melancholy, Reflective, Wistful, Ambitious, Brittle, Earthy, Knotty, Organic, Provocative, Sentimental, Atmospheric, Earnest, Gentle, Literate, Plaintive, Rebellious, Reckless, Somber, Bittersweet, Passionate, Refined/Mannered, Soothing, Exuberant, Laid-Back/Mellow, Poignant Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 1 Number of Discs/SwapaCD Credits: 1

1. Jelly Roll Baker
2. Medley: Mhairi's Wedding/Make No Mistake/Bless the Weather
3. You Can Discover
4. Go Down Easy
5. Solid Air
6. Seven Black Roses
7. I'd Rather Be the Devil

Year Type Label Catalog # 2006 CD Tradition & Moderne 037

No other editions were found for this album.

Recorded for German radio in Bremen in 1975, this is prime John Martyn. This is a solo gig, featuring Martyn on an acoustic guitar playing in front of an open-minded audience. Beginning with a killer reading of Lonnie Johnson's "Jelly Roll Baker," the singer and guitarist is at the absolute top of his form on this seven-track set -- though this is not an EP. The three-cut, 11-and-a-half-minute seamless medley that he moves into next is close to breathtaking, including the traditional "Mhairi's Wedding," "Make No Mistake," and "Bless the Weather." His voice is in excellent shape and his inspired readings of his own compositions together with canonical music are flawless. "You Can Discover" and "Solid Air" make use of his jazz phrasing both instrumentally and vocally. He's relaxed and focused, and digs deep into the material to let it reveal secrets in his performance. The set ends on a 13-plus-minute reading of Skip James' "I'd Rather Be the Devil," with sound effects in full force. He improvises his ass off and lets the guitar and its sundry echoes, reverbed strings, and delays do the talking until he digs into the body of the cut itself. It's spooky, outrageous, and deeply inspired. Martyn fans will be delighted with this vintage performance -- in spotless sound quality -- as it belongs somewhere near the top of his catalog. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

Name Credits Adrian Boot Photography Christoph Romanowski Mastering Dietram Köster Engineer Gisela Steppat Concert Producer Harald Moenkedieck Liner Notes John Martyn Vocals, Guitar Jürgen Kuntze Engineer Klaus Schumann Engineer Peter Schulze Engineer Rolf Kirschbaum Mastering Volker Steppat Concert Producer