John Martyn - Grace and Danger [Simply Vinyl 180g LP] 24-bit/96kHz & CD-compatible format

“

With some of his clearest, strongest singing in years and a collection of terse, honest originals, as well as a cover of the Slickers' reggae classic "Johnny Too Bad," Grace & Danger shows John Martyn at the top of his game. - Brett Hartenbach/AMG

”

Grace And Danger is a 1980 album by John Martyn.

The album was written and recorded while John Martyn was in the process of divorcing from his wife Beverley and the songs strongly reflect the emotional upheaval that he was experiencing at the time. Phil Collins played drums and provided backing vocals. The release of the album was delayed by Island Records for a year because Chris Blackwell, the label owner (and friend of both John and Beverley) found the album too depressing. Producer Martin Levan said of the delay that "the messages I was getting back was that Chris [Blackwell] felt it was too sad and he didn't want to put it out. He felt it too depressing and didn't want it released." Speaking in 1981, Martyn captured his frustration at the situation, "I freaked: 'Please get it out! I don't give a damn how sad it makes you feel - It's what I'm about: direct communication of emotion."

When released, Rolling Stone described the album as "a very strong outing for John Martyn, placing him in a class with such intelligent eclectics as Joan Armatrading and Joni Mitchell."

The album cover was created by UK photographer/artist Sandy Porter.




Tracklisting

All tracks composed by John Martyn; except where indicated

Side A

"Some People Are Crazy" – 4:19
"Grace And Danger" – 4:02
"Lookin' On" – 5:11
"Johnny Too Bad" (Winston Bailey, Hylton Beckford, Sydney Crooks, Delroy Wilson; additional lyrics "translated" by John Martyn) – 3:56

Side B

"Sweet Little Mystery" – 5:28
"Hurt In Your Heart" – 4:58
"Baby Please Come Home" – 3:56
"Save Some (For Me)" – 3:34
"Our Love" (John Martyn, Beverley Martyn) – 3:57

Personnel

John Martyn - Guitar, vocals
Tommy Eyre - Keyboards, Synthesisers
John Giblin - Bass
Phil Collins - Drums, Backing Vocals
Dave Lawson - additional synthesisers on "Some People Are Crazy", "Sweet Little Mystery" & "Baby Please Come Home"
Martin Levan - Producer