General Article name: London Conversation
Genre: Folk / Folklore Product type: LP (Vinyl) Label: Island Number of tracks: 12 Tracklist LP - 1 1. John Martyn - Fairy Taile Lullaby 2. John Martyn - Sandy Grey 3. John Martyn - London Conversation 4. John Martyn - Ballad of an Elder Woman 5. John Martyn - Cocain 6. John Martyn - Run Honey Run 7. John Martyn - Back to Stay 8. John Martyn - Rolling Home 9. John Martyn - Who's Grown Up Now 10. John Martyn - Golden Girl 11. John Martyn - This Time 12. John Martyn - Don't Think Twice It's Alright   Description Description

In 1967, John Martyn became the first white solo act to sign with Island Records. While this is notable in the history of the label, his initial release, London Conversation, on the other hand, stands as a mere footnote. The record, though incorporating touches of blues and his characteristic guitar and vocal, doesn't really prepare you for what's to come from Martyn. The album is a basic, no-frills, guitar and voice effort, although one track, the droning dulcimer and flute-driven "Rolling Home," shows Martyn's urge to stretch, which would become much more evident in the coming years. His vocal delivery is traditionally British, while his playing is steeped in the eclectic folk of British artists such as Davey Graham and Bert Jansch, as well as American blues and folk. London Conversation, whose material (written primarily by Martyn) reflects the era and his age (18 years old), comes across as a young, although soon to be important artist looking for a voice. ~ Brett Hartenbach

Brett Hartenbach

Contributors Artist: John Martyn Record Label: Island