John Martyn-in memory

John was a friend. He recorded my song "Sandy Grey" on his first album, a generous act that helped to give me the confidence to keep on writing. I wanted to close the circle... from 1967 to 2009. Thank you, John. I love you, too. http://www.myspace.com/songsonthewing

Category:

Music

Tags:

• John Martyn
• Sandy Grey
• Robin Frederick

[songsonthewing]

Thanks to all of you for your comments and thoughts! - Robin

[Samarajiwa]

So have Nick Drake and John ever met each other?

[songsonthewing]

They were friends. John's beautiful song "Solid Air" was written for a Nick. If you're interested, you can find out more in Patrick Humphries' biography of Nick Drake.

[johni2bad]

awesome thx v much for postin this. is it true this song is about nick drake? i put some tribute vids on myself pls check em out. nowhere near as appropriate as urs tho. thx again. remember what john said ''i'm here for a good time, not a long time''

[songsonthewing]

Yes, I did write the song for Nick although it's not specifically "about" him - there are no biographical details in that song! It was more about an emotional reaction to something he did. I met John shortly afterwards and played the song for him . He quickly decided to put it on the "London Conversation" album which he was then recording. It was an impulsive and generous thing to do which was very much John's style, even then at 18 years old.

[reliabilityinmind]

Thanks Robin for reminding us of such beautiful song and such a wonderful man and musician. BTW, it is one of my fav. John's...thousand songs..RIP John

[Johnnystrychnine]

this reminds me uncannily of Leonard Cohen...beautiful song.

[TrueBlueEG8]

lovely song, loved john martyn, and may he rest peacefully.

[hjortshoj]

I love this song, but check out the Irish troubadour Tom Donovan's version of this song. It is outstanding! You can even find it here on Youtube :-)

[DamianNixon]

Very nice production. One for my Favs. Ta very much. ;-)

[ianmcgeachy]

Many thanks for this. The ambiece of this version of Sandy Grey is perfect for this tribute. I have also just realised it is yourself singing this..absolutely beautiful ... -Ian

[1978BenF]

Wow, what a fantastic tribute. Indeed it closes a circle. it is wonderful to hear you sing it after knowing the JM version for so long. It must be quite something to have influenced two of the most memorable artist in UK music in such a manner.

You write beautiful songs.

[malcolmpaine]

@songsonthewing This is so beautiful. I have only just come across this recording of your (original!) version of the song on YouTube. I grew up with John Martyn's version on 'London Conversation' and these songs were the inspiration for learning guitar. Thank you so much. Malcolm

[Broblem12]

Thank you. Have been a fan of Nick's and John since I first encountered their music. You sing this beautifully and this is a touching tribute to John. Wish that I could have met all three of you all those years ago. Precious times past and not forgotten. :)