John described Inside Out as “everything I ever wanted to do in music… it’s my inside coming out.” The album was experimental, a skillfully free-form jazz orientated album featuring superb guitar work by John and superbly varied bass playing from Danny Thompson. Other musicians included Traffic’s Steve Winwood and Chris Wood, Bobby Keyes and Remi Kabaka.

The intense recording sessions took place over a few days between 2 and 8 July 1973 at Island Studios and were largely late at night with no cutting, editing or splicing, it was “live” and tracks were faded out where necessary. There were one or two additional sessions at the end of the month and the album was mastered on 1 August 1973. The album won John a Golden Disc from Montreux and received glowing reviews from the music press who described it as “music from inner space” and a “cosmic foray.” At the time John explained that Inside Out was all about the concept of love…

“It felt natural”, said John at the beginning of the track Fine Lines.

“I think I’ll always use Danny Thompson because he’s got real feel for my music and I’ve got real feel for his.”

“A celebration of love – his playing has reached an uplifting intensity, the equal of anything on offer at present…I unreservedly recommend it !” (Melody Maker 13/10/73)

1. Fine Lines (J. Martyn)
2. Eibhli Ghail Chiuin Ni Chearbhaill (Traditional arranged by J. Martyn)
3. Ain’t No Saint (J. Martyn)
4. Outside In (J. Martyn)
5. The Glory Of Love (B. Hill)
6. Look In (J. Martyn)
7. Beverley (J. Martyn)
8. Make No Mistake (J. Martyn)
9. Ways To Cry (J. Martyn)
10. So Much In Love With You (J. Martyn)

Catalogue Number: ILPS 9253 Island
Matrix / Runout: Side A -ILPS 9253 A-1U Λ STERLING 1 and Side B -ILPS 9253 B-1U ΛG STERLING 1