Solid Air - JOHN MARTYN***

Solid Air/Over The Hill/Don't Want To Know/I'd Rather Be The Devil/Go Down Easy/Dreams By The Sea/May You Never/The Man In The Station/The Easy Blues

Singer songwriter John Martyn was a difficult artist to categorise. He began as a folk musician but his later work, including Solid Air, incorporated jazz, blues and rock influences.

“Solid Air is a good example of a record's mood winning over its songs. With a few notable exceptions, the songs aren't the strongest, but the mood conjured by their cumulative effect is strong and convincing.”

“Martyn divides his attention on Solid Air between jazzy, atmospheric pieces and more stripped down folk songs that recall his earlier work. Of the former, the title track is probably the most effective, with its wafting sax and vibraphone lines and Martyn's newfound slurring vocal style.”

“A fusion of folk, blues, progressive rock and jazz all buttered up in soothing, relaxed white-man soul, with a pinch of sugar. A very worthy listen.”

“Smoky and laid back, Solid Air is difficult to put into any one genre, blurring blues, folk, jazz and progressive rock, with more emphasis on the progressive. It is probably one of the most laid back albums I have heard.”

“From the outset, Solid Air is addictive. John Martyn isn't only talented on guitar and as a songwriter, he's also got one of the most original voices ever. It's a perfect example of a voice becoming part of the music.”

“Far and away Martyn’s best collection of songs. Beautiful warm jazz/blues inflected folk, and in Go Down Easy and May You Never two of the most seductive songs ever written. Martyn makes the making of great music sound so relaxed and natural.”

“This is far and away his best: every song is memorable, from the bluesy title tune and the sensuous Go Down Easy to the melancholy Man In The Station. May You Never is a wonderful evocation of what friendship is all about and the final track showcases Martyn's guitar skills well.”

“This LP is an unsung treasure. John Martyn displays a masterful talent for songwriting on this album and the production and arrangements are top notch also. I'm impressed with the two tones he possessed vocally: the relaxed and almost airy sounding style contrasting with the raspy growl of which he was also capable.”