[Slowhand] Vale John Martyn

[Jon Maclean]

It hasn't been mentioned on the Digest yet, but last month the world
lost an exemplary musician in John Martyn. A superlative songwriter,
excellent guitarist and totally distinctive vocalist, Martyn was a
prodigious talent whose excessive lifestyle certainly shortened his
lifespan. Granted, the fact that his music was so totally unique coupled
with his uncompromising attitude meant that widespread success generally
eluded him. I consider myself most fortunate to have been touched by his
music, and only Eric Clapton and The Beatles have been more influential
in my musical direction. 

Over the years I have attempted, mostly in vain, to spread the word
about Martyn's music, and a common response I hear is "what kind of
music does he play?" Well, he played a mixture of folk, jazz, blues and
soul and moulded it in such a fashion that it sounded like no-one else.
Totally unique. It is impossible to nominate one album which summarises
Martyn, but "Solid Air", "One World" and "No Little Boy" would be good
starting points for the uninitiated. Clapton, Phil Collins and David
Gilmour were all fans and friends, and Eric appeared on "Glorious Fool"
and recorded one of Martyn's best-known compositions "May You Never" on
"Slowhand" in 1977.

Martyn certainly did not take himself too seriously and as far as I am
aware never developed a rock-star persona, or sought the fame to go with
it.
His wicked sense of humour often manifested itself onstage, particularly
when he worked with long-time collaborator Danny Thompson.
Martyn's loss only caused a minor ripple in the mainstream press, but
for me his loss is immense and he leaves a void no-one else can possibly
fill.

Jon



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