To commemorate his remarkable music career and 84th birthday, folk music legend Martin Carthy will release “Transform Me Then Into A Fish” on May 21st, 2025. The album represents a significant milestone and a complete circle as he revisits his seminal 1965 self-titled debut with newly recorded arrangements. Guests include his daughter, Eliza Carthy, as well as Sheema Mukherjee, who also performed alongside Martin and Eliza in the much-missed Imagined Village.
Martin was just 24 when he released his debut LP on Fontana Records in 1965. The album was reissued last year on Topic Records and reviewed by KLOF’s David Pratt, who rightly highlights why this album was so important. Many of the folk songs featured, whilst widely known now, were not at the time of its release. Martin was instrumental in introducing them to an ever-increasing number of new listeners and other artists.
Now, with six decades of experience under his belt, Martin Carthy is able to offer fresh interpretations of classic tracks like “Scarborough Fair” and “High Germany,” showcasing his deep connection to the folk tradition.
The album title is taken from a line in the drinking song, Ye Mariners All, also known as A Jug of This.
Oh now I’m old and can scarcely crawl,
I’ve a long grey beard and a head that’s bald.
Crown my desire, fulfil my bliss,
A pretty girl and a jug of this!
Oh when I’m in my grave and dead,
And all my sorrows are past and fled,
Transform me then into a fish,
And let me swim in a jug of this!
For those who have followed the music of Martin and The Watersons, the album cover will surely strike a sentimental chord with the empty chair, instantly recalling that famous photo by John Harrison of Martin sitting with Norma Waterson eating breakfast together.
Martin is a living folk legend, so don’t miss this one.
The album was recorded, mixed and produced by Ben Seal – Piggery Mobile Studios and Co-produced by Eliza Carthy.
Pre-Order the album here: https://transformmethenintoafish.com/#buy
Track Listing Transform Me Then Into A Fish
- The Trees They Do Grow High
- Ye Mariners All (with Eliza Carthy)
- Lovely Joan
- Dream Of Napoleon (with Sheema Mukherjee)
- Eighteenth of June (with Sheema Mukherjee)
- The Handsome Cabin Boy (with Eliza Carthy)
- A-Begging I Will Go
- High Germany
- The Famous Flower of Serving Men
- Scarborough Fair (With Sheema Mukherjee)
- Spring Hill Mine Disaster (with Eliza Carthy)