John toured extensively in 1983 visiting Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and Europe. John had recently remarried and released Philentropy in November 1983, without announcement on his own Body Swerve Label, whilst being out of contract. The curious label name was taken from the lyrics to Perfect Hustler from his Well Kept Secret album.

“I had some tapes of a Brighton Dome gig and a Bristol gig and I just thought I’d make a live album out of it.”

This live album was recorded in London, Brighton and Oxford between Autumn 1982 and Spring 1983. Originally released on John’s own label – Body Swerve, bearing the reference JMLP001, this was, and is considered by many to be the best live album. The recording is charged with atmosphere and excitement and features some of John’s most popular songs. John’s guitar playing is outstanding and his playing is matched by the members of the band, the line-up was Alan Thomson (bass), Jeffrey Allen (drums), Danny Cummings (percussion) and Ronnie Leahy (keyboards). A mid-price re-issue on Castle in 1986 (DOJO26) is now deleted and the original red Body Swerve issue hard to find.

Hung Up and Don’t Want To know recorded in Oxford 1982.
Johnny Too Bad and Make No Mistake recorded in Brighton 1982.
Sunday’s Child, Lookin’ On, Root Love and Smiling Stranger recorded in London 1983.

“A faithful momento of Martyn at his live best – jazzy, sharply recorded, Philentropy stretches Martyn’s voice from poisonous howl to besotted slur – low key but ever so seductive.” – Melody Maker.

1. Make No Mistake
2. Don’t Want To Know
3. Root Love
4. Lookin’ On
5. Hung Up
6. Johnny Too Bad
7. Sunday’s Child
8. Smiling Stranger

Catalogue Number: JMLP 001 Body Swerve
Matrix / Runout: Matrix Side A – JMLP 001 A2 JONZ and Side B – JMLP 001 B1

Guitar and Vocals – John Martyn
Bass and Keyboards – Alan Thomson
Drums – Jeffrey Allen
Percussion – Danny Cummings
Keyboards (Oxford and Brighton) – Ronnie Leahy