April 7, 2012

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Kevin Ayers - one of the seminal figures in the Canterbury Scene and in progressive music in general.


I will admit it was somewhat tragic when Kevin Ayers split from Soft Machine and the two forces went their separate ways - Ayers to continue in a sort of Psychedelic Singer-Songwriter vein, while Soft Machine explored experimental and Progressive Jazz. Both became potent entities in their own right. Ayers' solo career took many interesting turns and established many legendary associations along the way and he has always had a solid following of fans which continue to this day.

But while the dust was settling after the Soft Machine split, Ayers assembled a band and cut several great albums for the then-newly established label Harvest.

Tonight it's two sessions done for the BBC; one in 1970 and the other in 1972. Here's the track lineup:

1. Gemini Chile
2. Lady Rachel
3. Whatevershebringswesing

1-2: recorded May 20, 1970
3: recorded May 17, 1972

The early days of Prog and long before Alternative.

Getting back to basics.

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