Keith James

The music of John Martyn and Nick Drake.

This concert features a sound that is unique. Music from the time in the history of acoustic music that is loved and revered by all, those who were there at the time, through to those who are only just discovering it now in the 21st century. 1969 – 1976: an incredibly golden period of freedom and self expression, intricately imaginative guitar arrangements and a vibe that has never since been repeated.

John Martyn OBE, a wildcard, was an incredibly sensitive songwriter with a natural ability on guitar that was effortless; a tradition passed down to him by Davy Graham, Bert Jansch and John Renbourn.

His songs float perfectly in that existential space that is loving and personal; not rejecting a folk style but on a cloud of their own, unique and encapsulated within the emotions of one Man. John’s highest artistic period was in the early 1970’s during which he released his most contagious and listened to Album ‘Solid Air’ written for Nick Drake. Well where to begin..

A friend of John’s throughout the short but brilliant time he spent as a singer-songwriter and recording artist. Nick was hardly noticed at the time; overshadowed by many other more strident artists during an incredibly influential period in popular music.

It was only over the past decade that his perfect, fragile songs and his intricate guitar style have been discovered by a more restful, greying and understanding audience worldwide and his genius has been fully appreciated.

Nick’s songs, to be found on his three precious Albums: Five leaves left, Bryter Latyer and Pink Moon are amongst the most un-improvable and personally connecting compositions of a songwriter to have ever come into human consciousness. Nick Drake is now revered and loved the world over. He died in 1974.

Keith James has played over 1,500 concerts celebrating this wonderful music. His concerts have never been considered as a tribute, much more a personal and intimate performance of something uniquely beautiful that can otherwise no longer be heard in a live context.