John was influenced by a great variety of music, and it shows in his extremely diverse catalog. He liked classical artists like Debussy, folk musicians like Davey Graham and Clive Palmer, all kinds of jazz, and the Blues.
This page is here to honor one of the greatest voices in popular music, Mr. John Martyn. As of now John does NOT have his own MySpace, but I'd like to say he can have our URL (myspace.com/johnmartyn) whenever he wants. John Martyn's music is some of the most incredible, most deeply felt music I have ever heard. The best of his songs manage to convey the greatest wisdom in very simple language. And it's sung by quite possibly the greatest singer of his time. His voice is a technical marvel, constantly working miracles. I like to say his voice is like maple syrup.
As far as where to start with John, my first advice to anyone is to avoid "best of" or "anthology" collections. John seems to undergo a complete transformation with every album. If you played "The Tumbler" and his work on "Road To Ruin" (an album he did with then-wife Beverly) back to back, you'd swear you were hearing two different people. And those albums are only a year apart. Each album is a journey, constantly taking you to new and different places you haven't been before, not with him.
I'd say to start with the classic "Solid Air", a perfect album in just about every way. Follow that with "Bless The Weather". If you're not completely hooked by then, there's something wrong with you.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
can we not have a bita respect for the man, putting all your adverts in the comments boxes. whoever is running this site for the late great john martyn should be ashamed having all the comments saying 'have a great weekend' and stuff like that. PLEASE!!!!!!! RIP Johny boy
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Hello my friend. I would like to invite you to check out my new poem called "I Am a Storm". Just click the picture below and the storm will take you to my blog. Thank you, -byron
Work is starting on John's final album. It was quite close to completion and is in very safe hands. There'll be updates on the MySpace sites & www.johnmartyn.com
Online Now!
