John Martyn – One World

John Martyn's One World arrived on Island in November 1977 and captures a decisive turn in his catalogue: the point where his folk-based songwriting opened out into something far more spacious, experimental and studio-shaped. Recorded at Woolwich Green Farm in Berkshire and produced by Chris Blackwell, the album is famous for its unusual sessions, with speakers and microphones placed around a lake to pull natural ambience into the music. That setting suits a record built on atmosphere, where folk, jazz, rock, dub and ambient texture meet in a style that still feels distinctly Martyn.

The songs show how broad his palette had become without losing his emotional directness. The reggae-leaning pulse of Big Muff, the hushed beauty of Couldn't Love You More and the drifting, late-night pull of Small Hours each reveal a different side of the album. That last track is especially central to the story, showcasing Martyn's striking use of Echoplex guitar effects and his gift for turning studio technology into something intimate rather than showy.

Contributions from Steve Winwood, Danny Thompson and Rico Rodriguez deepen the album's rich, fluid arrangements, and the record is widely regarded as one of Martyn's finest. This edition matters because it keeps the original UK mix and faithfully replicates the original British Island pressing, right down to the lyric inner sleeve.

Features

• LP, 180g, Black Vinyl
• Original UK mix
• Faithful replica of the original UK Island pressing
• Includes lyric inner sleeve

Reviews

• highly recommendable. - AllMusic.com
• Tender intimacy and booming spaciousness all of a piece - The Guardian