Katie Spencer, Alan Thomson, Spencer Cozens – Hurt In Your Heart
Independent – 2 April 2021
The John Martyn catalogue is not one that gets touched very often, yet Katie Spencer, while young, seems to understand his complex vision. Martyn’s guitar playing and singing were unquestionably unique. While he never sold truckloads of records, there was truth and beauty in his music, along with heart and soul, not to mention pain. Delving into his songs you begin to understand the man, or at least parts of him. Katie Spencer definitely knows John Martyn. Recording with two long time band members, bassist Alan Thompson and keyboard player Spencer Cozens she gets immediate credibility. Recording the proceedings live in the studio only adds to the majesty and mystery of Martyn.
“Hurt in Your Heart” dates back to the 1980s Grace and Danger LP. Martyn was at a low ebb and Island was more than a little reluctant to release such an intense album. Spencer retains much of what made the track great, the heartbeat bassline and the downbeat organ. Her slurred vocals recall Martyn style, yet it seems to be the only way you can sing him. There’s real magic to the interplay of the three musicians, with Cozens piano raising things up at the end to keep the song from falling into a bottomless morass.
The gentle guitar of Spencer reflects the simple emotion of “Couldn’t Love You More.” Rarely more heartfelt, this track from One World in 1977 allows an entranceway into the tenderness you could find in his songs. Played simply on acoustic guitar, piano and bass, this illustrates just how loving Martyn could be. How can you not fall for lines like, “If you kissed the sun right out of the sky for me/ If you told me all the lies I might deserve/ If you laid right down and you died for me/ I could not love you more.” Spencer sings simply, making sure not to overwork the vocal. It stands out without any extra help. Her phrasing though makes the song, holding notes to capture the love and emotion.
The final track reflects on “Small Hours.” Another piece from One World, the intimacy of John Martyn is wrapped in a moment of time yet wanting that moment to run just as long as it possibly can. In the hands of Spencer, Cozens and Thompson the key is to let the music have as much air as possible. Their meditation on love plays to the heart of Martyn. They allow notes to run their course without overstaying their welcome.
The legacy of John Martyn is a collection of music that reaches deep into the heart and soul of those who feel the space in the notes and the grace of the songs. With these three songs, Katie Spencer proves she understands John Martyn and The Hurt In Your Heart.