Record Reviews

KEVIN AYERS ~ BANANA FOLLIES HUX 007 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1972 This is a wonderful BBC recording of a Kevin AyersFind albums by this artist performance at the Hampstead Theatre Club in London. Supported among others by David BedfordFind albums by this artist and Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist, this vaudeville-like concert full of humor and wonderful music is a real treat. The material includes mostly a wide variety of self penned songs, some of which were later developed on the BananamourFind albums with this title album from 1973.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

KEVIN AYERS ~ HYDE PARK FREE CONCERT 1970 REEL RECORDINGS 002 (Barcode: 641444015627) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007 After leaving the Soft MachineFind albums by this artist (of which he was a founding member) and recording the debut solo album (Joy Of A ToyFind albums with this title), guitarist / singer / composer Kevin AyersFind albums by this artist formed the Whole WorldFind albums by this artist band to record his second album (Shooting At The MoonFind albums with this title) and support its release by touring. This live recording captures the performance of Ayers and his band at the legendary London’s Hyde Park free concert, which had on the bill the most famous bands of the time performing in front of a 100,000 strong public – a record attendance to a rock venue in UK up to that time. Pink FloydFind albums by this artist performed their Atom Heart MotherFind albums with this title suite for the first time at that concert. Ayers and his cahoots, including David BedfordFind albums by this artist on keyboards, Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist on saxophones, Mike OldfieldFind albums by this artist on bass and Robert WyattFind albums by this artist on drums, storm through a bunch of Kevin’s song with vengeance, as appropriate for such eclectic gig, and the whole set is captured exactly as it happened – a true piece of rock history. Coxhill’s brilliant contributions were always my favorite part of that particular band. The sonic quality might not be perfect, but considering this was a “field recording” done 37 years ago – who gives a damn? Priceless stuff!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KEVIN AYERS ~ THE BBC SESSIONS 1970-1976 HUX 073 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Another splendid release from the BBC vaults presenting the extraordinary work of Canterbury hero Kevin AyersFind albums by this artist, spanning a period from his early Soft MachineFind albums by this artist days and later solo career. The list of musicians playing with Ayers on these sessions looks like a who’s who of early 1970’s Canterbury scene, Prog and Jazz combined: Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, Mike OldfieldFind albums by this artist, Mike RatledgeFind albums by this artist, Andy SummersFind albums by this artist, Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist, Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist, David BedfordFind albums by this artist, Elton DeanFind albums by this artist, Archie LeggettFind albums by this artist, Ollie HalsallFind albums by this artist & Zoot MoneyFind albums by this artist. The music is as adventurous and quirky as his usual output, with often humorous lyrics and plenty of instrumental passages to spice it all. This material is of immense historical importance and opens many windows to the understanding of the simmering UK musical scene at the time. The sound quality is excellent as usual for all the BBC recorded material. A must to all Canterbury scene fans.

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KEVIN AYERS ~ WHAT MORE CAN I SAY… REEL RECORDINGS 009 (Barcode: 641444032228) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2008 Canterbury scene founder (or at least one of the founders) Kevin AyersFind albums by this artist reveals here a bunch of his private recordings (demos, outtakes, etc.) from the early days of his solo career (after leaving Soft MachineFind albums by this artist), recorded mostly by himself (vocals, guitar, piano) and all written by himself. A few regular cohorts (David BedfordFind albums by this artist – organ, Mike OldfieldFind albums by this artist – bass, Robert WyattFind albums by this artist – drums) give a helping hand on occasion, but mostly this is Ayers by himself, demonstrating his amazing songwriting abilities and a unique delivery. This is a superb document of the early 1970s music, but also of the social climate and the care-free approach to life that characterized the bohemian scene Ayers was so much a part of. "Portrait of an Artist as a young man" is a very suitable description and this is not only a historical document but also a delightful trip down the memory lane, back to times long gone and much missed. The dedicated Ayers fans will of course be delighted to listen to this material, and considering the fact that none of it was ever heard before this is a Canterbury Holy Grail in many respects. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend