Described as the ultimate music outsider, while John Martyn began in folk music he was never bound by it. He was as much a pioneer as he was a rebel, creating a unique and personal sound that took those roots and disintegrated the very thought of genre as he experimented with jazz, soul, funk and even the avant-garde. He was a hugely charismatic performer and it’s no real surprise that his music has endured so well and continues to influence a new generation of performers. One of the biggest tributes to date was a compilation of covers released in 2011, titled Johnny Boy Would Love This…A Tribute To John Martyn. It featured the likes of Robert Smith from the Cure, Beck, Snow Patrol, Beth Orton, Judie Tzuke, Lisa Hannigan, Vashti Bunyan, Bombay Bicycle Club and more.
News of The John Martyn Project was music to my ears as, to my knowledge, it’s been a while since we’ve had a tribute worth shouting about and this is unlike anything I’ve heard before, in no small part due to the tremendous vocal talents of those assembled. Featuring Blythe Pepino, Kit Hawes, Pete Josef and Sam Brookes they each bring their own story and connection to John’s music which adds to the fabric of the overall experience of the project.
In the wake of a special sold-out show in July 2018 at the Jazz café in London, the thought of not doing this again was unfathomable and so The John Martyn Project was born. After 2 successful sold-out shows in Bristol and Stroud to launch the project this year, they will be embarking on a UK Tour this September.
With four of the most interesting vocalists spanning several different musical paths of the UK music scene, the many different aspects and eras of Martyn’s music is delivered in a sensitive and poignant manner.
Blythe Pepino – By the end of 2016, she had released her major-label debut as the frontwoman of Vaults, sung on that year’s John Lewis Christmas ad and toured with London Grammar. Not one to compromise her artistic vision, in early 2017 she turned her back on the major label existence to pursue her penchant for the strange and leftfield with new band, Mesadorm.
Kit Hawes is a virtuoso guitarist, composer, singer-songwriter and mandolin enthusiast. Coming from a musical family, Kit was steeped in folk and roots music from the outset; learning from his parents and the many musicians who would pass through the farm. At age 14, he dropped out of school to pursue a career as a professional musician Kit has played all over the world and has gained a reputation as top-class instrumentalist working with a wide range of artists including Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon and Yola.
Pete Josef has always been a soul singer at heart, but his multi-instrumental skills have led him into some interesting situations. He has for years been recording and playing live with Roni Size and Reprazent, and fronts and co-produces the lo-fi house duo White Lamp with Darren Emerson (underworld). He spent the summer season of 2014 on tour as the bass player and guitarist in Kelis’ live band, gracing the stages of Glastonbury festival, Jools Holland and Fuji Rock whilst in this time also working on his debut album ‘Colour’ which was featured at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards.
Sam Brookes In 2011 his eponymous debut Album saw him named as Sunday Times ‘Breaking Act’ and his independently released follow up Kairos was picked as one of the best albums of 2014 by The Independent. Considerable streaming success and support slots for the likes of Willy Mason, Scott Matthews and Joan Armatrading have earned Sam a dedicated following and growing anticipation for his third album.
John Blakeley & Jon Short form a uniquely creative and original rhythm section who over the years have played together in variations incarnations with such artists as Yola, Sheelanagig and No Go Stop.
Don’t hesitate in getting a ticket for this very special live event.
The John Martyn Project September Tour
11/09 – The Phoenix Arts Centre, Exeter. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/y5fbvhbv
14/09 – Old Bakery Studios, Blewetts Wharf, Malpas Rd, Truro. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/y3gomhpe
15/09 – Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/y6hseaom
16/09 – Greystones, Sheffield. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/y2gljcul
17/09 – The Musician, Leicester. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/yxpnnoyp
18/09 – St Mary Magdalene Church, London. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/y2dt7yod
19/09 – St Georges, Bristol Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/yysw68rj