Bless the Weather, the first release following two records with his wife
Beverley, is a transitional effort for
John Martyn. The Glasgow-born singer/songwriter's third solo album emphasizes a darker, smokier sound built around his increasingly jazzy vocals, plus sometimes aggressive, sometimes gentle acoustic guitar work, and
Danny Thompson's double bass, which skirts in and out around
Martyn's voice and guitar. It also contains the extended instrumental "Glistening Glyndebourne," which highlights his early experimentation with the Echoplex, a sound that would become a major part of his work in the coming years.
Bless the Weather, with songs such as the title cut and "Head and Heart," stands as a fine representation of
Martyn's early work. [The 2005 edition includes alternate takes and mixes.] ~ Brett Hartenbach