John Martyn R.I.P.

With a heavy heart I learned from the BBC website that John Martyn passed away on Thursday. He was one of the most unique singer-songwriters to emerge from the folk movement of the late 60's and his seminal albums "Bless the Weather" and the classic "Solid Air" still sound innovative today. Although he battled drugs and alcoholism most of his life, the transparency of his writing and the fluidity of his vocals, together with the signature hammer style of playing left its mark on the history of modern music. He was honored in the New years honors list, but among musicians he has been revered for a much longer time.

MODERNITY KILLED EVERY NIGHT

I just received my signed promo copy of the Wolfmen's current album release. I have been assured by my mate Chris - one half of the WOLFMEN writing duo pirroni/constantinou that it has to be their signatures cause no-one else writes that badly! Of coursed signed or not, this record has the indomitable signature of Marco's insistent and edgy guitar riffs and Chris's 'warped' vision of bohemian life. It has both the snarl of punk and pop excess of glam a la T. Rex, but in a way that comes across as a current expression and not as retro homage. I doubt there will be many records this year that will possess the energy of this one - and don't let anyone tell you that these old dogs can't teach some young pups a thing or two about rock n' roll.

American Idol is back!

Well it's here! A.I. is now back and filling our screens and living rooms with a lot of embarrassing auditions and a few stunning performances. Last night's show was highlighted by the audition by a blind performer and 'low' lighted (is that a word??) by the sending to Hollywood of a bikini wearing girl who murdered a Mariah Carey song but apparently showed enough flesh to impress Simon and Randy. What already seems obvious is that true originality and unique talent will probably get overlooked by a collection of soundalikes. I've already heard the next...Carly Smithson, the next David Archuleta and probably the next Chris Daughtry as well....

Christian Music in 2008 - My Highspots

I wrote on my other blog - Jon's Jottings about the state of christian Music in 2008 and why so few of the artists grasp my attention these days. I would be remiss however if I did not mention two Cd's that did impact me this last year.
The first is "Freedom" by Eddie James and Ultimate Call

I had the chance to see Eddie and the group in action at a local church, on their way to The Call in San Diego. Their authenticity in worship and the energy of this CD blew me away. It hardly left my player for the first month and it continues to be a choice when I need uplift and it's also great to work out to!!
The second CD is by the Latin Gospel group Salvador. Their latest offering, entitled "AWARE"

is a mixture of styles that never fails to lift and move. Once again it is one I return to over again. The song "You Rescue Me" has especially moved me as it is both a great song, well sung, but also a good example of confessional worship. So little of modern cookie-cutter worship has both honesty and authenticity (for obvious reasons) and I appreciate the quality of , not only this particular song, but the entire album.

Devon Artists reign supreme!

Joss Stone, Chris Martin of COLDPLAY, MUSE, Show of Hands, Seth Lakeman, David Cross (ex- King Crimson), Chris Constantinou (the Wolfmen) are just some of the Devon artists making waves in the world of music these days. The styles range from glam rock and punk to contemporary folk and R n' B, with some progressive/ new age music mixed in. I am so proud to be from Devon where such a diversity of music can come from such a rural place.

Show of Hands - WOW!

My wonderful brother, Widge, has done it again. He sent me for Christmas, a 'signed' copy of

ROOTS

- the best of Show of Hands

, a contemporary folk duo from my home county of Devon, England. This career-spanning compilation is both a audio delight and an artistic triumph. It also helps to be somewhat familiar with the territory described in this collection of story songs and skillful traditional adaptations by messrs Knightley and Beer. I am amazed at the breadth of their lyricism and their musicianship. Once again - it just shows what happens when talent overshadows production....as I've said many times ....a good song always shines through. This is a superb collection of a songwriters art and it has succeeded in transporting me across the miles and the years to the place of my birth and upbringing. It is a Christmas present that in the words of the Mastercard commercial - is PRICELESS!