In the third of this week’s exclusive performances marking the publication of Small Hours, Graeme Thomson’s new biography of John Martyn, Karine Polwart performs Couldn’t Love You More, first recorded by Martyn on his 1977 album, One World, and later reimagined on his 1981 release, Glorious Fool.
From Small Hours:
One World synthesised the old and new, marrying Martyn’s traditional heart and soul to a sinewy energy and fresh, luxuriant textures. Punk had broken through during the period in which the album was written and recorded, but it made little impact on him. He claimed to enjoy the Sex Pistols, and for at least one member of the band the feeling was mutual: John Lydon was a Martyn fan, spotted at several shows. But, for a man beholden to slow music, the abrasion of punk was never going to be his thing, even if he rather admired the attitude.
The album was less personal in some ways, certainly less intimate, than Martyn’s recent records. Couldn’t Love You More was the one direct connection to his former work, a simple acoustic performance featuring Danny Thompson’s sawing bass undertow and dappled sprinkles of vibes. The lyric was one of his most tender, if ambiguous, declarations. ‘On a simple level it’s saying, “I gave you everything,”’ says Ralph McTell. ‘On another level, it says, “I didn’t have any more that I could pull out to give you.” He had a light touch, but there was a terrible, awe-inspiring darkness in him as well. He was one of those artists who could articulate what we suspect is this darkness we feel in ourselves. Sometimes we don’t want to see it.’
Small Hours is published tomorrow by Omnibus Press.
Small Hours is published on Thursday, 9 July 2020 by Omnibus Press.
Pre-order Small Hours – Hardback: Amazon | Kindle: Amazon
Read and watch the previous book extracts and performances here.
Karine Polwart Photo Credit: Suzanne Heffron