John Martyn – The Apprentice (Esoteric Recordings/Cherry Red Records, 2022)
This edition of John Martyn’s “The Apprentice” is a four disc remastered and expanded boxed set with the original album plus two rare bonus tracks, live recordings and video.
The late John Martyn was an influential and highly respected singer and songwriter who combined folk, rock, jazz, blues and electronica with ease. The sound on “The Apprentice” represents Martyn performing songs with a mainstream sound, skillfully incorporating smooth jazz and rock elements.
The two superb live albums show Martyn’s engaging folk-rock side, highlighting his connection with the audience, his marvelous guitar work and his love for music rooted in tradition.
The live set was recorded and videotaped at The Shaw Theatre in London on March 31, 1990. Notably, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd appeared as guest. Meanwhile, the fourth disc is the stunning video version of the same concert.
This Esoteric Recordings edition has been newly remastered and expanded to include issued as a single in 1990 along with two additional CDs of the concert at The Shaw Theatre and a DVD of the concert originally issued as ‘The Apprentice in Concert’.
Lineup on “The Apprentice”: John Martyn on vocals and guitars; Dave Taif-Ball on bass; Aran Ahmun on drums; Andy Shepherd on saxophone; Danny Cummings on percussion and backing vocals; Danusia on backing vocals; and Tad Wyzgowski on rhythm guitar.
The personnel on Live at The Shaw Theatre includes John Martyn on vocals and guitars; Spencer Cozens on keyboards; Alan Thomson on bass; Dave Lewis on saxophone; Miles Bould on percussion; and David Gilmour on guitar.
The set is carefully curated with elegant packaging, extensive liner notes and photos.
Buy The Apprentice
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.