John Martyn
UEA LCR, Norwich
> UEA LCR, Norwich
It's fair to say recent years haven't been kind to John Martyn.
His legendary alcohol consumption has seen him put on a stone or five since his emergence in the early '70s.
A couple of years ago he lost a leg below the knee.
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He still appears to be fond of a drink.
But the echo-laden sounds he coaxes from his guitar are as beautiful as ever, and his slurring vocals as huskily soulful.
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Highly acclaimed for albums such as Solid, Air and Bless the Weather, Martyn took the enthusiastic audience through his impressive back catalogue.
The highlight for me was an acoustic interlude in which his three-piece band sat out and Martyn played solo, proving that his powerful and intricate finger-picking is undiminished.
A stunning Jelly Roll Blues and sublime May You Never had the crowd singing along.
You got entertained between songs too – Martyn is possibly insane but certainly very funny – and blessed the UEA, marvelling at the paradox of this imposing madman who produces such tender music.
This superb show was a reminder that one of British music's greatest talents of the last 30 years is still in great shape – musically at least.
Long may he continue.
