John Martyn - Classics/Live (2023)

Yes, some of the songs are classics, in their original versions, when they had a folky edge and an indefinable magic in the performances. These later versions, even if they include guest star turns (Phil Collins, David Gilmour, and Levon Helm, among others), lack all that. The songs are churned out as jazz, but more as bland smooth jazz than anything with some balls. To many longtime fans, these would seem like an evisceration of something lovely, rather than creative work. The trick, perhaps, is to take them as they stand, and not compare. But even then, there's a listless quality to the performances; all too often the musicians seem to be going through the motions rather than playing with any deep commitment. If you're seeking an introduction to John Martyn, this is a double-edged sword. It's a reasonable guide to Martyn at the time the recording was made. But if you want to hear him when he was brilliant, avoid this.

Review by Chris Nickson