Sound Scene

Margaret Collins
Galway Advertiser
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John Martyn makes one of his rare solo concert appearances at the Castle, Salthill, on Saturday 15th, at 9 p.m. His last appearance here was at the ill fated Lisdoonvarna Festival. His previous appearance at the Festival1 was a blistering success but this year2 I found him to be a major disappointment. It must be remembered that he was working in very difficult conditions, because it was during his act the Waterford Free Wheelers began to do battle with the gate-crashers. The Castle should be much more suited to his style and should be much more enjoyable than at Lisdoonvarna.

John Martyn was born in Glasgow in 1949, an only child. At an early age his mother introduced him to Debussy. He was later introduced to the folk scene by Hamish Imlach. He moved to London where he was spotted by Chris Blackwell and signed to Island Records, with whom he continued to record until 1981, when he signed for WEA. All of John Martyn's albums have comprised of blues, jazz, folk and rock. He is eccentric, unpredictable and unique.

For this club tour he will be joined by his bass player Alan Thomson, and he will be playing material from all stages of his career.

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sitenotes:
1 12 July 1981.
2 31 July 1983.