Concert review

Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall, 10 May 2004

11 May 2004
The Scotsman
Fiona Shepherd
John Martyn * * *
ROYAL CONCERT HALL, GLASGOW

Bigger and gruffer than ever

JOHN Martyn, arguably Scotland's most respected singer-songwriter, has played the musical equivalent of steady darts throughout his career, while continuing to attract new fans to his understated brand of Celtic soul. Consequently, last night's audience represented a broad church, who were politely receptive to his support act, a mousey young minstrel called Eva Abraham, who has obviously heard a Joni Mitchell album or ten in her time.

Salford, The Lowry, 8 May 2004

8 May 2004
The Guardian
Dave Simpson

John Martyn

Lowry, Salford

* * * * *

If John Martyn hadn't become a folk/blues/rock legend, he could have knocked out a career as a mimic. At one point, he perfectly impersonates Alf Garnett. At another, he adopts the voice of what can only be described as a northern-English, butch but camp transvestite.

London, Jazz Cafe, 25 Jan 2001

26 Jan 2001
Dotmusic.com
Simon P. Ward

John Martyn
Jazz Cafe, London

Say what you like about John Martyn but there's no doubt that after 35 years in the business he's still taking risks. Tonight he's accompanied by a sax player1 who offered his services after recording with Martyn in the studio the day before. No warm-up, nothing. And it sounds fantastic.

Edinburgh, Liquid Room, 28 Jun 2000

6 Jul 2000
The List #390
Norman Chalmers

It's more than 30 years since lain McGeachy hit the road south from Glasgow to record his first album -the acoustic guitar-driven period piece London Conversation- changed his name to John Martyn, and began a career in music that, if it hasn't made him rich in worldly terms, has earned the wayward Scotsman critical acclaim and a world-wide following.

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