The Tumbler: Vinyl LP

Pre-Order Item. Release Date Subject to Change.
Label: Proper Records
Release Date: 14th July

Early John Martyn records get a lovely reissue, a unique artist, a sublime storyteller full of pathos, honesty and wit, bewildering guitar player and a voice that could keep you captivated throughout. The true marvel is how Martyn pushes British folk music forward with each release. One of the finest artists Britain has ever produced.

A complex and sometimes belligerent character in real life, on record, John Martyn was the epitome of the folk-dreamer, embodying the spirit of the bourgeoning London acoustic scene of the late 60s - Well-known and respected for his 70s albums Solid Air and One World, this is where it began.

Produced by fellow London scenester Al Stewart, The Tumbler was a huge step forward, presenting Martyn as the questing soul he would become; yet, for the abstraction of The Gardeners, there was the simple folk ditty of Fishin' Blues. With the exemplary flute playing of Harold McNair, Fly On Home is clear in its influence on Martyn's peer, Nick Drake. Knuckeldy Crunch and Slippledee-Slee Song demonstrates what would have happened if Syd Barrett had gone folk. The Tumbler can be viewed also as the beginning of Martyn's slurred vocal style and sweet sentiment that was to chime with thousands of his aficionados in the UK.

This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1968 Island Records UK release and is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl.

Tracks:
Sing A Song Of Summer
The River
Goin' Down To Memphis
The Gardeners
A Day At The Sea
Fishin' Blues
Dusty
Hello Train
Winding Boy
Fly On Home
Knuckledy Crunch And Slippledee-Slee Song
Seven Black Roses