John Martyn – Grace & Danger (1980)

I picked this one up in Harborough Market a couple of weeks ago, but have only just got round to listening.

It was an album I was aware of, and interested to hear the post-folk Martyn.

I have to say, it's been a pleasant listening, without anything earth shattering. It definitely marks a shift towards jazz from Martyn, evident from the extensive electric piano from Tommy Eyre and the liquid bass of John Giblin.

The album opens with the laidback, gentle Some People Are Crazy, livening up a notch for the bluesy Grace And Danger, and the bluesy, if slower feel continues on Lookin' On. His version of reggae standard Johnny Toobad is up there with the UB40 and Joe Strummer versions, while the best known of these songs, Sweet Mystery is straight smooth jazz. From here to the end of the album, theres a parade of gentle, jazz-infused song, the strongest probably being Save Some For Me, a bright number with Phil Collins sharing vocals (as well as drumming throughout).

It's a really enjoyable listen, well worth forty minutes of your time, if you like it mellow.

Link to album tracks

3* - an interesting departure for Martyn, delivering some gentle listening