On our last show, we included a small tribute to the brilliant, reclusive British singer-songwriter Kevin Ayers, who left this world just last week. Kevin Ayers began his career with the legendary 60s psychedelic band The Soft Machine. (This clip here probably looked much better in color, but this version is all we have):
In this interview for Catalan TV, he recalls those heady days of the mid-to-late-60s:
More memories, from the 24 Hour Technicolor Dream documentary:
After two long, grueling US tours opening for the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Kevin grew disgruntled with the Soft Machine's increasingly jazz-influenced direction and moved to Majorca. In November 1969, he released his first solo album, Joy Of A Toy, the first step in a long, fascinating solo career. He developed a songwriting voice that was both quirky and wise, rambling through a wide-ranging variety of musical styles courtesy of his wide circle of musician friends, topped by his deep, sonorous basso profundo. Some of his finest classics:
And from his great final album from 2008:
Farewell Kevin Ayers. You were one of a kind.
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