It's a forgone conclusion that tribute albums are virtually always a mixed bag. From the jump it's worth saying that Johnny Boy Would Love This: A Tribute to John Martyn fits that bill as well. That said, there are reasons that this recording is quite special, and not necessarily for the array of artists who participate. First, kudos should go to producer
Jim Tullio, who guided this project to fruition, beginning right after the songwriter's death; he was a friend and collaborator who he helped
Martyn complete his final studio album,
Heaven and Earth. It seems that in respect to
Martyn's memory, virtually every artist on this deluxe, beautifully presented, 30-track double-CD and DVD package adhered to the thing that
Martyn did himself: letting the song dictate its presentation and get out of the way. The songs presented here cover the entire range of
Martyn's career, and the number of stand-out tracks is surprising. Disc one includes
Beck's faithful yet futuristic reading of "Stormbringer,"
Clarence Fountain and
Sam Butler of
the Blind Boys of Alabama's foreboding read of "Glorious Fool,"
Robert Smith's deeply emotive "Small Hours,"
Ted Barnes' whimsical "Over the Hill," and
Lisa Hannigan's stripped-to-the-bone take of "Couldn't Love You More," accompanied by a harmonium and
Tullio's guitar.
Morcheeba's
Skye Edwards bravely took on
Martyn's signature tune, "Solid Air," and acquits herself beautifully by keeping it sparse and retaining its jazz phrasing and haunted atmosphere.
The Swell Season does a fine "I Don't Want to Know," backed by
Martyn's road band.
Cheryl Wilson's "You Can Discover" actually features
Martyn playing guitar with Steve Rodby on bass from an unreleased album session of hers. Disc two offers
Beth Orton's languid "Go Down Easy," and the late South African poet and songwriter (and
Martyn contemporary)
Syd Kitchen doing a gorgeous, inventive "Fine Lines," a true highlight.
Vashti Bunyan, who was first mesmerized by
Martyn in the late '60s, offers a lithe, plainspoken "Head and Heart";
Judie Tzuke, whom
Martyn admired, offers a faithful "Hurt in Your Heart."
Tullio's version of "Road to Ruin," is rough, ready, and dead on; it was to have been sung by
Levon Helm (who had a long personal and professional relationship with the songwriter), but he was unable to contribute because of vocal problems. Closing it out is "Tearing and Breaking" by
Phil Collins; he played with
Martyn on several crucial albums (including the classic
Grace & Danger), and was a close personal friend to the end. His obviously deep affection is evident in every note of this breathtaking performance. Despite some weak entries, this is one tribute recording well worth obtaining for its many treasures. It may be a vain hope that a project like this will spread
Martyn's reputation and he'll get in death what he richly deserved in life, but it's a hope nonetheless. ~ Thom Jurek