NEHH Presents… The John Martyn Project

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This is a special project where six artists come together to celebrate the music of John Martyn. Each brings their own story and connection to John’s music which adds to the fabric of the overall experience of the project.

The diversity of the different musicians’ musical paths recreate the many different aspects and eras of Martyn’s music, which is delivered in a sensitive and poignant manner.

In the wake of a special one-off sold out show in 2018 at the Camden Jazz Cafe, the group decided to take the project on tour and the warm reception it has received has inspired them to continue. Since then they have regularly toured the UK and mainland Europe, as well as bringing John’s music back to the festival circuit. Each tour they continue to introduce more of John’s back catalogue, from obscure live recordings to classic favourites reworked and presented with rich harmonies and diverse instrumentation.

Blythe Pepino By the end of 2016, Pepino had released her major label debut (as front-woman of Vaults), sung on that year’s John Lewis Christmas advert 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 Virtuoso guitarist, composer, singer-songwriter and mandolin enthusiast. Coming from a musical family, Hawes was steeped in folk and roots music from the outset, learning from his parents and the many musicians who would pass through the family farm. At age 14, he dropped out of school to pursue a career as a professional musician. Hawes has played all over the world and gained a reputation as top-class instrumentalist working with a wide range of artists including: Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon and Yola.

Pete Josef  Although a soul singer at heart, Josef’s multi-instrumental skills have allowed him to work on a wide variety of projects. For several years he has recorded and performed live with Roni Size, Reprazent and, more recently, with Rag ’n’ Bone Man. He has been a touring artist in Kelis’ live band, graced the stages of Jools Holland, Fuji Rock and Glastonbury Festival – all whilst working on his debut album Colour, which 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 selected as one of The Independent’s Best Albums of 2014. 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 The duo 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.