Tonight was the conclusion to a brief tour of Ireland for this band of richly talented musicians. They were at the end of a 5-day run that included gigs in Kilkenny, Limerick, Belfast, Virginia and Dublin. It was appropriate that Whelan’s should be the final venue of the tour as it retains much of the spirit of John Martyn’s music in the walls. He last played in the venue back on July 2nd 2008 as a taster for the Dysart Music Festival which was due to take place in the grounds of Dysart Castle, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the festival was forced into a change of venue and eventually lost a lot of the original acts that were due to play. John Martyn died just six months later at a hospital in Thomastown, having lived in the area for some time previous. His long-term abuse of drugs and alcohol has been documented by the media over many years and despite all of his many musical gifts he was also seen as both difficult and unpredictable, prone to bouts of anger and a tendency in latter days towards reclusiveness.
Tonight this six-piece band, which included Blythe Pepino, Kit Hawes, Pete Josef, Sam Brookes, John Blakeley and John Short speak about John Martyn between songs, with a few of the band sharing their individual memories of being introduced to his music. Blythe spoke from the heart when she mused over the gentle nature of his song writing and his troubadour soul but also referenced the toxic masculinity for which he was often perceived. Perhaps it was this dichotomy that separated him out from other Folk-based artists that had developed in the 60s and went on to greater success in their musical careers. John Martyn was a chameleon on many different levels. He straddled many genres, recklessly brave in his passion to tear down the walls that separate so many purists of various traditions. He fused traditional folk with progressive leanings, jazz-based experimentation with rock elements and during his band phase and was close to both reggae and the blues in his often soulful, always deeply moving music. He was a renegade with a gypsy heart who challenged the status quo often and never settled for the safe place. A pioneer and a seeker of new frontiers as he wrestled with his demons until they finally took him to that final gig in the sky.
Tonight, the generous set list covered 19 songs, mostly taken from the period 1970 to 1977, and showcased material from just six original albums. The core set featured seven tracks from Solid Air (1973) with Bless the Weather (1971) featured an additional five songs. The absence of any music from the many additional releases up to 2004 bears testament to the volume of work that John Martyn produced and also the potential for this tribute band to further interpret the singular talents of this unique musician into future shows. The quality of playing on the stage tonight was very impressive and each member contributed to a seamless performance that had the audience on their feet with a standing ovation on more than one occasion. The interplay, the dexterity, the harmony vocals, the subtle rhythm section, understated keyboards, and the lovely vibe in the room and onstage all contributed to a night that was very special indeed. The band promised to return and it will be something to mark on the calendar when they do find their way back to our shores.
Highlights were the incredible guitar dynamics of Kit Hawes on Man At The Station. His ability on six strings was just off-the-charts and his solo version of Small Hours delivered another standout performance. Sam Brookes has a superbly percussive guitar style that captured so much of what separated out John Martyn in his playing. He also has a very expressive vocal that at times channels Jeff Buckley in its colour and power. On keyboards and guitar we had the fine inventiveness of Pete Josef and his version of Spencer the Rover was another special moment on a night of many enduring memories. The rhythm section of John Short and John Blakeley proved pivotal to much of the subtle groove on stage. Always playing in the pocket and never pushing the easy tempo of their combined delivery. The lovely vocals of Blythe Pepino feature throughout and her wonderful delivery of Don’t Wanna Know saw the other musicians rise to the challenge and deliver a real tour de force as the gig built to a wonderful climax.
The encore featured the sublime Couldn’t Love You More with Sam on vocal and then the band took to the front of the stage to deliver an acoustic Over the Hill improvisation, complete with audience sing-along and a guest appearance of Blythe’s dog, who wandered around the stage and bonded with the front row for some petting and tail wagging. It was a very special evening and this impressive group of musicians brought their combined gifts to mark another landmark gig at the famous Whelan’s venue.
Review and photos by Paul McGee