Search - John Martyn :: Solid Air

A Neglected Masterpiece

Greg C | NY | 09/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a totally wonderful album!! It's one of those works that truly have something for everyone. A love of left-field jazz and blues led him to this scintillating formula that you can kick back and enjoy (repeatedly!) or pick through for cool, groovy samples. I had long heard of this album as a big influence on folks I really respect, but that still didn't prepare me for the bewitching effect of this magical effort. Why, pray tell, is this guy not world famous? Upon further investigation, I found that "Bless The Weather" and "Inside Out" are also incredible, especially the former. This is ideal for listening on a cool, breezy, sensuous evening, but the moments on it that challenge that idyllic scenario are the ones that will keep you coming back for more. Also highly recommended to Terry Callier fans. I wish some ad agency would put something from here in some commercial, and get him some deserved recognition while he's still around to enjoy it, unlike his late buddy Nick Drake. GET THIS ALBUM!"

Forgotten Classic

howzat | 02/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Solid Air (1973.), John Martyn's second studio album



Who the hell is John Martyn?? That is probably what 99/100 people would say if you asked them who he was. I think this is quite sad and unfortunate because in John Martyn is an excellent musician, performer and songwriter. Solid Air, John Martyn's 1973 effort is really deserving of all the 5* reviews it has been given by the few reviewers of the album on this site and it is sad that so few people will listen to and experience the greatness of this masterpiece. With John Martyn, you have an artist who is a truly great representer of jazz but also he incorporates a touch of folk and other genres. He is in a class of his own.



So, you ask yourself, where did this bloke appear from. Originally he produced 2 albums with his wife Beverly - 'Road to Ruin' and 'Stormbringer' which are both great. However, from then on he went solo and this is one of his early efforts on his own. The album itself is only about 35 minutes long but it is captivating throughout with Martyn's veratile ability on acoustic guitar and piano. He also has a kind of drooling singing voice (a style he began to adopt around this time) - difficult to understand but its quite unique. The album itself has 9 tracks which are all really good. The pick of these for me are Solid Air, Over The Hill and I'd Rather Be The Devil.

John Martyn himself still performs a lot of these tracks - he's in the past few years released an anthology of his songs. He also still does a lot of live performances.



That aside this 1973 studio album is a forgotten classic which you will find is well worth buying."

The stuff that inspired MTV's "unplugged" series!!

Michael C. Fox | 11/30/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was introduced to John Martyn's music in the early 70's, through the "Solid Air" album. From first listen, I was mesmerized by the combination of acoustic bass and guitar, coupled with John martyn's soulful voice. In "Solid Air" you will find that 80% of the titles are really good songs, unlike many albums which are put out these days... In subsequent years, I have kept listening to this album and "Bless the Weather" and have turned on many acquaintances to this wonderful music. NOT ONE PERSON I HAVE PLAYED THESE ALBUMS TO HAS DISLIKED IT...If John reads this review: "Thank you""