Terry Lawson on sounds

One of pop's true originals is the British-bred Martyn, who began his career as something of a ballad-oriented folkie, but by incorporating a spatial jazz into his free-form compositions, settled on a style totally unique to these ears

Although he enjoys modest popularity in his native England, John Martyn is hardly a household name in America.

Guitarist's work plumbs the depths of tonality

A strikingly innovative guitarist and imaginative songwriter, John Martyn has been experimenting with improvisation and tonality since his early days on the English folk scene.

Put this disc on the player and ask your friend who claims to know music from A to Z to guess who it is.