There’s no deficit of John Martyn‘s concert records; from 1975’s classic “Live At Leeds” onward, there have been more than a score of these issued before and after the Scottish troubadour’s untimely passing. The plethora of platters on offer testifies not only to his prolificacy but also to the captivating variety of his performances, and even in such circumstances the veteran’s show in Germany in June 1983, which will be released as “The Smiling Stranger In Bremen” on February 3rd, seemed to be special.
Despite being in a rather inebriated state, Martyn kept the audience at the edge of their seats for two hours, delivering both recent additions to his catalogue – there are numbers off 1982’s “Well Kept Secret” and “Glorious Fool” from 1981 as well as a half of 1980’s “Grace And Danger” – and time-tested gems, including “May You Never” and “Solid Air” for fans to enjoy. Given it’s the most complete document from that era to be made available, the album subtitled “Live at Schauburg 1983” must be extremely interesting. Read the review.
The Smiling Stranger In Bremen
1. Some People Are Crazy
2. Amsterdam
3. Solid Air
4. Sunday’s Child
5. Couldn’t Love You More
6. Bless The Weather
7. Sweet Little Mystery
8. Medley: Dealer / Outside In
9. The Easy Blues
10. Cocain
11. One Day Without You
12. May You Never
13. Could’ve Been Me
14. Root Love
15. One World
16. Lookin’ On
17. Johnny Too Bad
18. Smiling Stranger
