In February 1973, “Island” label released “Solid Air”, the fourth John Martyn studio album. It was recorded November – December 1972, at “Island Studios”, “Basing Street”, “Sound Techinques” in London, and was produced by John Martyn and John Wood. The title track “Solid Air” was dedicated to Nick Drake. “Q” magazine ranked the album at number 67 on its list of the “Greatest British Album Ever”, and was was also included in their list of “Best Chill-Out Albums of All Time”.

Personnel:

• John Martyn– vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, synthesizer
• John “Rabbit” Bundrick– acoustic and electric piano, organ, clavinet
• Richard Thompson– mandolin
• Danny Thompson– acoustic bass
• Dave Pegg– bass
• Dave Mattacks– drums
• Neemoi “Speedy” Acquaye – congas
• Tristan Fry – vibraphone
• Tony Coe– saxophone
• Simon Nicol– autoharp
• Sue Draheim– violin
• John Wood – engineer
• Fabio Nicoli – design
• Visualeyes – photography
• John Webster – photography

Track listing:

All Tracks by John Martyn, except where noted.

1. Solid Air
2. Over the Hill
3. Don’t Want to Know
4. I’d Rather Be the Devil – Skip James
5. Go Down Easy
6. Dreams by the Sea
7. May You Never
8. The Man in the Station
9. The Easy Blues