The latest releases reviewed

LUKA BLOOM
The Man Is Alive Union Station Productions ****

The naked honesty of Luka Bloom's double DVD and live CD is breathtaking. Here's a man who's never been afraid to buck trends. Fans have witnessed the continual evolution of the artist formerly known as Barry Moore: from his woolly jumper folk days to Red Square, and on to his incarnation as Luka Bloom. This is an Aladdin's cave of frank interviews, insightful observations and a gabháil full of intimate live performances (one in Bloom's own front room). The Man Is Alive is a snapshot of someone whose quest is far from over, but whose comfort in his own skin bears testament to a road well travelled. And the music's not half-bad either. Magnificent, in fact. www.themanisalive.com SIOBHÁN LONG

JOHN MARTYN
The Man Upstairs Voiceprint ***

Scottish singer-songwriter John Martyn has seen better days; now resident in Ireland and in poor health, there was a time - such as the period documented in this in-concert DVD, recorded in Germany's Rockpalast studios in 1978 - when Martyn looked like the part of a troubadour who would cause female hearts to flutter and male voices to sing along in blurred accompaniment. Seated in front of a respectful audience (punk rock had yet to neuter the likes of Martyn and his singer-songwriter ilk), fiddling with the guitar pedals to create spacey sound effects (beautifully realised on Small Hours and May You Never), exceptional finger- picking (Seven Black Roses) and singing songs as gorgeous as One Day Without You, Bless the Weather, Couldn't Love You More and Solid Air, Martyn appears to be in his element, totally in charge and fusing with the muse. Certified proof that back in the day there were few to match him. www.johnmartyn.com   TONY CLAYTON-LEA