Die "Peerless Queen of Hip" (Art Garfunkel) sang Folk und Blues in den 60ern, trat auf dem Monterey Pop Festival 1967 auf, heiratete dann den Gitarristen John Martyn, mit dem sie die Alben "Stormbringer" und "Road to Ruin" 1970 aufnahm - und zog sich von der Bühne zurück, um ihre gemeinsamen Kinder großzuziehen. Geschieden von John - "Er war sehr altmodisch [...] Er sagte, ich könnte kreativ sein, indem ich mich zuhause um die Kinder kümmere, anstatt Musik zu machen" - begann Beverley wieder Lieder zu schreiben und aufzutreten. Ihr Comeback kommt in Form der limitierten CD "No Frills" mit elf Eigenkompositionen. Zu hören ist nur einfache Stimme und Gitarrenbegleitung, entspannt und träge und meistens bluesig. Man stelle sich ein schäbiges Folk- und Blues-Cafe in London vor, geschwängert von Alkohol und Nikotin, draußen fällt der Regen und die Gäste starren in ihre Gläser. Nicht für ungut, John, aber wir sind froh, daß Beverley wieder "on the road" ist.

(www.folkworld.de)

Beverly Martin was a student at the Corona Academy of Theatre Arts when she was singled out to front "The Levee Breakers", a much lauded Jug Band. At the age of 16 she made her first single 'Babe I'm Leaving You' which was released on the Parlophone label.

Beverley was then spotted by Denny Cordell who discovered Joe Cocker and Procul Harum, and was signed as a solo artiste to Deram. During this period Bert Jansch the legendary guitarist taught her to play and encouraged her song writing.

Paul Simon was so impressed with Beverley that he took her to New York where she contributed to the track 'Faking It' on the Simon and Garfunkel album 'Bookends'. She appeared with Simon and Garfunkel at the legendary Monterey Pop Festival.

Beverley later married John Martyn and as a duo they issued 2 albums, 'Stormbringer' and 'Road To Ruin' which were released on Island records. Although her efforts were devoted mainly to her children, Beverley still continued to write with John on his solo projects. She was invited to join Loundon Wainwright on his european tour in the 1990,s. which resulted in rapturous audiences.

Having worked with Levon Helm, Jimmy Page, Dave Pegg, Richard Thompson, John Renbourn, Ralph McTell, Davy Graham, Sandy Denny and Nick Drake, Beverley is truly a consummate singer/song writer.

Beverly and John Martyn were married in 1969. The following year, they recorded two memorable duo albums: Stormbringer, recorded in Woodstock, NY, with American musicians, including Levon Helm of the Band and Paul Harris on keyboards; and The Road to Ruin. Their collaboration, however, was short-lived. Shortly after the birth of her second child, in 1971, the marriage fell apart. Although she's attempted to regain her status as a traditional singer, Beverly Martyn has been unable to match her early success.

(Craig Harris, All Music Guide)