The John Martyn Project

Six extraordinary artists – including Blythe Pepino, Kit Hawes, Pete Josef and Sam Brookes – come together in this special project to celebrate the music of John Martyn.

Individual musical paths and varied personal connections to Martyn’s music weave together to form a gorgeous, poignant tapestry of song and lyrics that reflects the many different aspects and eras to the original material. In the wake of a special sold out show in July 2018 at the Jazz Cafe in London the project was cemented with a UK wide tour in 2019. This is a long-awaited return.

By the end of 2016, Blythe Pepino had released her major label debut as front-woman of Vaults, sung on that year’s John Lewis Christmas ad and toured with London Grammar. Not one to compromise her artistic vision, in early 2017 she turned her back on the major label existence to pursue her penchant for the strange and leftfield with new band, Mesadorm.

Kit Hawes is a virtuoso guitarist, composer, singer songwriter and mandolin enthusiast. Coming from a musical family, Kit was steeped in folk and roots music from the outset; learning from his parents and the many musicians who would pass through the farm. At age 14, he dropped out of school to pursue a career as a professional musician Kit has played all over the world and has gained a reputation as top class instrumentalist working with a wide range of artists including Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon and Yola.

Pete Josef has always been a soul singer at heart, but his Multi-instrumental skill’s have led him into some interesting situations. He has for years been recording and playing live with Roni Size and Reprazent, he spent the summer season of 2014 on tour as bass player and guitarist in Kelis’ live band, gracing the stages of Glastonbury festival, Jools Holland and Fuji Rock whilst in this time also working on his debut album ‘Colour’ which was featured at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards.

Sam Brookes In 2011 his eponymous debut Album saw him named as Sunday Times ‘Breaking Act’ and his independently released follow up Kairos was picked as one of the best albums of 2014 by The Independent. Considerable streaming success and support slots for the likes of Willy mason, Scott Matthews and Joan Armatrading have earned Sam a dedicated following and growing anticipation for his third album.

John Blakeley & Jon Short form a uniquely creative and original rhythm section who over the years have played together in variations incarnations with such artists as Yola, Sheelanagig and No Go Stop.

“This is unlike anything I’ve heard before” Folk Radio

“With his keening tenor vibrato sailing effortlessly into the upper register, there’s something of Tim Buckley about Sam Brookes”  Andy Gill, The Independent

“[Kit] plays with dazzling virtuosity” Ethan Johns

www.thejohnmartynproject.com