SOLID AIR

Solid Air is where John Martyn experimented the most with various influences. Apart from his folk roots here, there are plenty of jazz tinges which bring a laid-back sound much like off the album "Bless The Weather" where this artist had started to evolve. Other mixtures in style include some soul and psychedelic flourishes. Martyn and double bassist Danny Thompson do strange things to the blues as well on Skip James' "I'd Rather Be The Devil". The title track is one of the best, a soothing, mystical piece with beautiful vibraphone and sax arrangements. Other favourites are "Don't Want To Know" and "The Man In The Station", especially for the organ work. The sweet folky acoustic lullaby "May You Never" is also a great piece. Martyn was very influential, especially when you consider how much the trippy sound on this release developed over the last thirty to forty years. Excellent album.