Pop

NO LITTLE BOY: John Martyn (Mesa/BMG) - The deep and textured voice is similar to that of Kenny Rogers or Bill Medley, the arrangements bring Steely Dan or Sting to mind, but the songs themselves are almost instantly forgettable. Songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Martyn has help from Phil Collins on three songs and Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour on several, too, but the musician who makes the biggest impact is drummer Peter Erskine, who drives Sunday's Child with chops and finesse that stand above the high standards set here. Could've Been Me approaches the spirituality of Van Morrison, especially because of Martyn's personal and impassioned delivery. Just Now adds Levon Helm's warm and creaky voice to the mix for a successful Band-like result, complete with funky clavinet reminiscent of Up On Crippled Creek, making it one of the strongest contributions. But too much of this album, top-heavy with ballads, is so mellow it could put a person to sleep.
RATING: B- (Owen Jones)

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This Canadian review was published in The Windsor Star (Ontario) of Saturday 26 February 1994.