PIECE BY PIECE

My introduction to John Martyn was when Angeline got airplay, when this album was released. Heard it a couple of times before it became an album or artist, that I wanted to become familiar with.So it grew on me yes,and I bought the album.

Ended up getting Piece by Piece and was not disappointed,as most songs of the album carry a similar sound.

Didn't know of Martyn's earlier discography ,so I could obviously not analyze and compare, with the likes of Solid Air and others.

As I became a CD buyer at the time and my turntable broke down,years and years went by without me hearing this.Now thankfully I-Tunes has made it available and I re-purchased it.

So,at the time,Martyn and/or the record company wanted more mass appeal and made a more accessible album,sorta like something Bryan Ferry would come up with.I think he is doing this very well.

The first song is an odd one.Nightline is like The song Manifesto from the album of the same name by Roxy Music.Strange song that makes you wonder what the hell is going on.Now the real good songs will start.Outstanding songs in the pop'ish vein with lots of synths for atmospherics.Yes, like Roxy and Ferry were masters of. 7 songs of that caliber follows and are very enjoyable.Only one of those songs will have noticeable guitar, that I now know he is capable of,and be superb at. Album ends with the song John Wayne ,that I find rather odd.It is supposedly a fan favourite.

So.....Song one and nine are 2 **.Most of the other 7 songs are to me 4*'s easy.Now there is obviously not much prog here,and I will rate this album 3*'s,but to me this is a 4* album,as I have no problem with prog artists making quality 'pop'.

As I always say.I rather have 'pop' music by prog musicians,than no music at all.

...and so the 80's grooved along. Keyboards and stuff. Hang on, I don't mean to be patronising. Yes, i do think Martyn was at his best between 1970-1980 but that does not mean I'm not hopelessly in love with all of his output. The love differs in passion, though. That's all.

When I bought this album I was heavily into Martyn's earlier works, alongside other folky stuff. You know, Pentangle and all that earthy bulk of musical history. I had no intention of loving this album when I put it on. I had foolishly decided against it before even given it a chance. How silly!

Piece by piece is actually a very good album. There is not much to complain about. As with it's predecessor it holds some good moments and a few great ones. The title track, "Serendipity" and the live classic "John Wayne" are outstaning pieces of music. While the first two are very much of it's time, "John Wayne" is a very powerful, almost hard rock track, though dressed in a slick and for the 1980's very appropriate overcoat. I have always found Martyn's excursions into rock music to be so and so but here it works very well indeed. If potent in it's studio version, it is omnipotent live. Check it out, why don't you?

When all is said and done Piece by piece remains one of Martyn's more forgotten output, alongside most of his post 70's albums. That is a shame. I think that music should be judged by it's own merits rather than by comparison. So, this album may not be as fully enjoyable as, say. Solid air but it is a good album. Not the best way to start if you are interested in the man's music but when you have gone through his more classic works, stop by this saloon and have a whiff of this. It is quite enjoyable.