Ignored Obscured Restored
Kevin Ayers is considered one of the most influential musicians in the British psych era – along with Pink Floyd’s Syd Barrett.
Ayers started in a band called Wilde Flowers with Robert Wyatt. That group splintered in 1967 – with Wyatt and Ayers forming the Soft Machine and the rest of the band starting Caravan. By 1969, Ayers was off on a remarkable solo career, though he is largely underrecognized here in the US.
Today’s SotW is “When Your Parents Go to Sleep” from Ayers’ 4th solo album, Bananamour (1973).
While many of Ayers’ tracks feature his baritone vocals delivered in a Lou Reed-ish style, WYPGTS is different. It is an R&B inspired cut with a soulful vocal by bassist Archie Legget. Supported by a wonderful horn arrangement and backing vocals by A-list singers Doris Troy, Liza Strike and, Barry St. John, the song takes on a Stax, gospel quality (or maybe Exile era Stones).
Ayers had an illustrious career that allowed him to work with Barrett, Brian Eno, John Cale, Elton John, Andy Summers, Mike Oldfield, Nico, and many others greats.
Enjoy… until next week.
Maybe the only R&B tune in Kevin’s Catalog, believe that is Archie Legget on vocals.
my new movie highlights his live performances, called Kevin Ayers – Live From Heaven, on my
youtube channel RR1234Tube.
The cut you are playing, I produced for my 1st Kevin underground movie of his live called, It Begins with A Blessing and Ends with A Curse, you can find it on my channel.
Thanks for your comments. I’ll check out your movies.