Category: Factual & Arts TV
Date: 14.04.2004
Printable version

BBC FOUR, 28 May 2004

BBC FOUR takes an in-depth look at the life and genius of the singer-songwriter John Martyn, whose drawling vocals and virtuoso guitar playing have inspired many.

Contributors to this intimate portrait include Phil Collins, the late Robert Palmer, Ralph McTell, Chris Blackwell, Danny Thompson, John's ex-wife Beverley Martyn and younger generation fan Beth Orton.

The documentary also contains classic performance archive including the Old Grey Whistle Test (dating back from 1973), Sight & Sound in Concert (1977) and Later With Jools Holland alongside home movies and family photos of Martyn as a child.

Martyn is the consummate musician's musician - his songs feature highly in any audiophile's collection and his music has been an inspiration over decades to many household names.

His refusal to compromise who he is or the music he makes has meant major commercial success has eluded him - but made him treasured all the more intensely by his fans.

In profiling his journey the film looks at his traumatic and often dramatic life.

When filming began Martyn was facing a life-changing moment: a seemingly mundane leg injury led to a gross infection which meant he had to have an amputation below the knee.

The film follows him pre and post operation, observing the effect it has on his life and those around him.

The film simultaneously dips into the past exploring his career - from the folk clubs in the Sixties, to his best-loved album Solid Air, to his continuing musical experimentation.

The producer is Serena Cross.