A complex and sometimes belligerent character in real life, on record, John Martyn was the epitome of the folk-dreamer, embodying the spirit of the bourgeoning London acoustic scene of the late 60s – Well-known and respected for his 70s albums Solid Air and One World, this is where it began.

Produced by fellow London scenester Al Stewart, The Tumbler was a huge step forward, presenting Martyn as the questing soul he would become; yet, for the abstraction of “The Gardeners”, there was the simple folk ditty of “Fishin’ Blues”. With the exemplary fute playing of Harold McNair, “Fly On Home” is clear in its infuence on Martyn’s peer, Nick Drake. “Knuckeldy Crunch” and “Slippledee- Slee Song” demonstrates what would have happened if Syd Barrett had gone folk.

This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1968 Island Records UK release and is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl.