John Martyn: Live From London

Rating:
Summary: the unusual band
Review: As reported elsewhere, the sound quality of this recording isn't great, but if you've gotten used to the quality of the live CD's released by One World from the archives, you won't be shocked. Interestingly, the band here does not include a bass player. This is unusual given the important role played by bassists like Danny and Alan Thompson in John's most familiar live settings. The absence of a bassist is not disastrous, and actually gives John's electric guitar a more central role in the arrangements (although it takes about 3 songs to get the guitar up to a satisfactory level in the mix).

Rating:
Summary: Superb performance, horrific sound quality
Review: If you're reading this then you are probably already familiar with the genius of John Martyn. And if you've ever been fortunate enough to catch him live (I saw him in Tokyo in the early '90's) then you know what a tight, passionate performer he is. Not to mention a wicked guitarist. I was so excited when I saw that this DVD was available. On Ktel? Hey, power to them. Well, I wish I could say that this DVD is everything I hoped it to be. The performance, an intimate London club setting, is top rate. Now for the bad news: the sound quality is HORRENDOUS. Completely distorted and tinny. I hestitantly give it 3 starsbecause at this price, its a value. But if you don't yet have the "Philethropy" cd, his 1983 live masterpiece, it is is a MUCH better investment, a 5 star thrilling addition to your collection.

Rating:
Summary: Superb performance, horrific sound quality
Review: If you're reading this then you are probably already familiar with the genius of John Martyn. And if you've ever been fortunate enough to catch him live (I saw him in Tokyo in the early '90's) then you know what a tight, passionate performer he is. Not to mention a wicked guitarist. I was so excited when I saw that this DVD was available. On Ktel? Hey, power to them. Well, I wish I could say that this DVD is everything I hoped it to be. The performance, an intimate London club setting, is top rate. Now for the bad news: the sound quality is HORRENDOUS. Completely distorted and tinny. I hestitantly give it 3 starsbecause at this price, its a value. But if you don't yet have the "Philethropy" cd, his 1983 live masterpiece, it is is a MUCH better investment, a 5 star thrilling addition to your collection.

Rating:
Summary: We win and we lose!
Review: We win because this is actually available to us. Given the paucity of video on this amazing artist, I am hugely grateful I could get my hands on it. The video is lovingly shot and well edited. The audio is abysmal, about as good as a cassette bootleg. I ascribe this to the fact that the artist misses the mainstream and therefore why would someone spend a lot of money to do a technically perfect job. That's the damn shame of it and where we lose out, because Martyn is so deserving of more. He is technically brilliant on guitar, his awesome growl is heartfelt and he writes like a true romantic. I love his stuff and have turned many others onto it. I and you should turn a deaf ear to the poor sound recording in order to really enjoy this offering. Please come and play within 500 miles of me, John, and I will be glad to travel to see your live show!

Rating:
Summary: We win and we lose!
Review: We win because this is actually available to us. Given the paucity of video on this amazing artist, I am hugely grateful I could get my hands on it. The video is lovingly shot and well edited. The audio is abysmal, about as good as a cassette bootleg. I ascribe this to the fact that the artist misses the mainstream and therefore why would someone spend a lot of money to do a technically perfect job. That's the damn shame of it and where we lose out, because Martyn is so deserving of more. He is technically brilliant on guitar, his awesome growl is heartfelt and he writes like a true romantic. I love his stuff and have turned many others onto it. I and you should turn a deaf ear to the poor sound recording in order to really enjoy this offering. Please come and play within 500 miles of me, John, and I will be glad to travel to see your live show!