Solid Air (whose title track was written for
John Martyn's friend, songwriter
Nick Drake) is one of the defining moments in British folk, in the same league as
Fairport Convention's
Liege & Lief,
Richard & Linda Thompson's
Shoot Out the Lights, and
Michael Chapman's
Rainmaker.
Martyn stepped out of his comfort zone to record and produce it, including not only jazz and blues but rock and plenty of sound effects, and featuring Rhodes piano on some of its tracks, dismaying some fans while winning a ton more for its genre-blurring presentation. A number of its cuts -- such as the title track, "Over the Hill," "I'd Rather Be the Devil," and "May You Never" -- remained staples in his live sets until the end of his life. [This edition includes a live performance of "I'd Rather Be the Devil" as a bonus track.] ~ Thom Jurek