John Martyn
Live In London – Camden Palace 1984
Esoteric ECLEC 22957(CD/Bluray)
In electric, not eclectic, mood.
This Live In London TV series recording has been reissued at
least eight times, both in visual and aural form, since 1984. A sensibly priced set boasts a new mix and newly mastered Blu Ray content, plus audio-only bonus tracks Johnny Too Bad and Dealer/ Outside In. Martyn had returned to Island Records and was playing more electric guitar, hence no room for May You Never. He was also still in thrall to friend/recent producer Phil Collins, hence the dominant keyboard and
Armani suit. But when the fuzz guitar is unleashed, as on the lengthy Lookin’ On, the crowd responds. This is mostly easy listening John Martyn – but many will consider that very acceptable as we contemplate nearly two decades without his extraordinary talents.
Michael Heatley
Record Collector 590
December 2026
