John Martyn,John Smith Live Review @ The Philharmonic Hall (Liverpool) - 01 Jun 2007

John Martyn,John Smith Live Review @ The Philharmonic Hall (Liverpool) - 01 Jun 2007John Martyn,John Smith Live Review @ The Philharmonic Hall (Liverpool) - 01 Jun 2007John Martyn,John Smith Live Review @ The Philharmonic Hall (Liverpool) - 01 Jun 2007

Photos:Elly Roberts

Live Review

Britain’s love affair with John Martyn continues with yet another triumphant return to Liverpool. 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. 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. It was much of the same for Looking On. Into the main set, played in non-chronological order, the more upbeat Dreams By The Sea was greeted by whistles and cheers. In fact every sing 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 on his 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, with Martyn’s pained and tangled expressions conveying 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!

Elly Roberts

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