John Martyn, a Scottish singer and guitarist whose gentle mix of folk and jazz and innovative use of electronic effects have influenced a broad range of musicians since the 1970s, died on Thursday in Kilkenny, Ireland. He was 60.
The cause was complications of pneumonia, said Jim Tullio, his longtime record producer.
We were lucky to have our good friend, DJ/journalist and occasional "5" contributor, Greg Casseus turn us on to the magic of Mr. Martyn many years ago. From the very first time it graced our ears we were never able to forget the subtle majesty of "Bless the Weather", the title track from Martyn's 1971 Island Records release. We'd like to share it with you, in the form of a live rendition circa 1978.
