John Martyn – Live in Liverpool, 2004

Elly Roberts reviews

John Martyn
at the Royal Court Theatre LiverpoolSunday 16 May 2004
CD: On The CobblesAfter watching the farcical Eurovision Song Contest,it was great to be back to real music. Some months ago I invested in the superb‘ Acoustic 2 ‘ double CD. A track called Glory Box by singer – songwriterJohn Martyn (right) led me to rediscover this mercurial genius once again. BornIain David McGeachy in New Malden Surrey, he spent his early years in Glasgow,eventually learning the guitar under the spell of Hamish Imlach. In the 70’s he reachedcult status in the UK, and by the response he was given at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre, things haven’t changed much.

A rowdy near capacity crowd went into raptures as the bulky, balding and bearded herotook to the sparsely lit stage. The 56 year old, who resembles a Glaswegian docker,has just released his 22nd studio album On The Cobles, and is set tocontinue his ethno – eclecticism range, and is enjoying something of careerrenaissance. Working in the past with the likes of Phil Collins, Eric Claptonand Jamaican troubadour Lee ‘ Scratch ‘ Perry, he has developed a truly universalstyle and appeal which culminated in a song contribution to the soundtrack forThe Talented Mr Ripley in 2000. His elliptical songwriting led him tobeing the first white artist to be signed to Island Records in 1968.

Not only does he bend the strings beautifully, he also bends the rules – blurringthe genre confines of jazz, blues, folk and reggae. On this night it all cametogether in a stunning two part set of old and new songs which includedMan In The Station, I Don’t Want To know, Creator, Johnny Too Bad, She’s A Love / Solid Air.


Perched on a low stool for the entire show, he was barely visible. Backlightingof the minimalist kind set the sensual atmosphere, as he grappled with the multi – fusioningset, which had heavy jazz overtones. There were moments of his bluescredibility, as he cradled his electric and acoustic guitars. Early vocalrecordings show a lightweight singer, but now he’s got one of the sexiest androughest larynx’s in the business. He almost made love to the microphone, ashis macho tones enveloped the theatre.

Song breaks brought almost unintelligible banter, not helped by his broad Glaswegianlilt. Clearly reinvigorated by his new found love, his mood was jovial to anextreme. Highlight of the gig was his acoustic work on Easy Blues andMake No Mistake, which brought roars of approval. The band – SpencerCozens on keys, Arran Ahmun on drums and John Gilbin were outstanding,particularly Cozens’ numerous jazzy forays. Women were swooning at his handlingof the lyrics, which seemed dreamier as the night wore on.

I confess, I was in total awe of the man. The magic continues.


Support act, Eva Abraham showed great promise as an excellent all –rounder. Her disciplined dulcet tones drew parallels with songbird Eva Cassidy.Playing tracks from her forthcoming album Shadow Gazing she proved to beconfident and relaxed in delivering her self – penned autobiographical work.

As the album title suggests she’s hoping to reach to top, and on the evidenceof this set she’s heading in the right direction. The CD finds her toocontrolled, but she found her feet and let rip on some very passionate lyrics,on songs like It Breaks.

Review & pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004.


Loading…