R.I.P. Bassist Danny Thompson, 1939-2025

Sadly British bass boss Danny Thompson – who enhanced the sound of everyone he played with – has passed away at 86. 

Taking a deep dive into Nick Drake's debut album "Five Leaves Left"

Here's an unboxing of The Making of Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake 4LP set along with a discussion of the nine-year project.

LINKS

EchoLocator Things We Already Knew About Nick Drake by Tom Moon

Producer Joe Boyd presents And The Roots Of Rhythm Remain @ The Rivoli, April 13

Music producer & author Joe Boyd is launching the paperback edition of And The Roots Of Rhythm Remain at The Rivoli. 

Here's the scoop... 

Legendary music producer, writer and record label boss Joe Boyd is something of a Leonard Zelig of 20th century popular music. He was the production manager for the 1965 Newport Folk Festival when Dylan went electric, managed European tours of Muddy Waters, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Reverend Gary Davis and Coleman Hawkins,  ran the UK office of Elektra Records and started London's pioneering psychedelic club UFO, produced the first Pink Floyd single and discovered Nick Drake while also working with Cream, Soft Machine, The Move, Arthur Brown and John Martyn. He also signed the nascent Fairport Convention and the Incredible String Band and put together the soundtracks for A Clockwork Orange and Deliverance which turned the instrumental "Dueling Banjos" into a surprise chart-topping hit 1973 and earned a Grammy for Eric Weissburg & Steve Mandell. All of that – in addition to working with Toots and the Maytals, Kate & Anna McGarrigle and R.E.M. while running Hannibal Records – he still found time to travel to travel across the planet while digging deep into the music and cultures that created it. 

Watching how the global audience for the music of Africa, India and Latin America grew and expanded, Boyd was taking notes when what came known as "world music" in the 80s became ubiquitous popular music with recordings like Paul Simon's multi-million selling Graceland album from 1986. And Boyd must've seen it coming. In fact, back in 1969 – before Fela Kuti and Tony Allen hit on Afrobeat – he'd recorded his own "township bop" experiments to update kwela music for an audience outside of South Africa with Dudu Pukwana, Chris MacGregor,  Mongezi Feza, Louis Moholo, Richard Thompson and members of Osibisa but he was unfortunately a little bit too ahead of the curve for it to be profitable (check out Dudu Pukwana & The Spears). Hey, timing is everything which Boyd knows as well as anyone having had to wait for a 1999 Volkswagen commercial for the rest of the world to recognize the magic in Nick Drake's music he'd spotted more than 30 years prior.  

Boyd's latest work, And The Roots Of Rhythm Remain (out in paperback April 1 via Ze Books) – which he half-jokingly calls "a history book disguised as a music book" – is the story of how this globalization of music happened told by someone with the uncanny ability to be in the right spot at the exactly the right time, the breadth of knowledge and historical perspective to connect the dots along with the knack for spinning a yarn to make for an engrossing read and a captivating talk. 

He'll present his findings in Toronto at The Rivoli on Sunday, April 13 from 2pm to 3:30pm (doors at 1 pm). General admission tickets are $18.50 (plus $1.50 service charge) available right here. Check out a few of Joe Boyd's recent interviews (including a discussion of global music for the Rock's Back Pages Podcast right here) followed by a list of upcoming dates on his reading tour below. 

Remembering Buffalo singer/songwriter Jackson C. Frank on his birthday

Remembering Jackson C. Frank – Nick Drake's fave Buffalo singer/songwriter with a short doc, some rare BBC tapes and more. 

Studio engineer John Wood chats about Nick Drake, John Cale and more

Now 85, UK studio engineer John Wood has nothing to plug but he has a few memories to share on Word In Your Ear.

Happy Birthday Andy Bey!

Raising a glass to soulful jazz vocalist Andy Bey with an interview and a couple of stellar performances. 

Expanded vinyl issue of the Kelly Willis alt-country gem "What I Deserve" on the way

Omnivore marks the 25th anniversary of the Kelly Willis classic "What I Deserve" with an overdue vinyl issue boasting five bonus live tracks!

Here's the scoop from Omnivore HQ...

25th Anniversary expanded edition available on CD and for the first time on vinyl. Both formats include 5 live bonus tracks.

While gigging in Austin, Texas, in the late 1980s, Kelly Willis developed a strong fan base. Among her fans were other Texas musicians like Lyle Lovett and Nanci Griffith. Griffith introduced her to producer Tony Brown who signed Willis to MCA Records. Soon, she would find herself in the films Thelma And Louise and Bob Roberts, as well as receiving a nomination as Top New Female Vocalist at 1993’s Academy of Country Music Awards. After three records on MCA, and an EP on A&M, Willis finished her fifth release and signed with Rykodisc, who released What I Deserve in 1999.

Featuring originals by Willis, three co-writes with The Jayhawks’ Gary Louris, and songs by Paul Kelly, Paul Westerberg, Nick Drake, Dan Penn, and more—What I Deserve became her highest charting album to date, hitting #30 on the Country charts and #24 on Heatseekers Albums. It is also now revered as a landmark release in Alternative Country and Americana circles—with good reason.

To celebrate its 25th Anniversary, What I Deserve returns—expanded with five previously unissued live performances of songs from the album recorded November 14, 1999 on Mountain Stage. In addition to an expanded CD reissue, the release sees its first appearance on vinyl as a double LP! In addition to the 17 tracks (appearing on both formats), the packaging contains lyrics and new liner notes from Peter Blackstock (No Depression, Austin American-Statesman), all done with Kelly’s approval.

What I Deserve has always deserved another look and listen for those who may have missed it the first time—what you deserve is to lose yourself in Kelly Willis’ incredible What I Deserve and celebrate 25 years of this landmark album. Pre-order a copy of Omnivore's expanded reissue of What I Deserve directly from the label right here. 

Watch the release trailer and a couple of Kelly's performances of songs from the album (including a lovely rendition of Nick Drake's "Time Has Told Me" from a Sessions at West 54th show back in 2000), a more recent Live at  the Levitt stream, a 1992 appearance with Jerry Jeff Walker on The Texas Connection and an informal chat about nothing in particular with fellow singer/songwriter Jack Ingram from 2022 below. 

KELLY WILLIS – WHAT I DESERVE 

TAKE ME DOWN

WHAT I DESERVE

HEAVEN BOUND

TALK LIKE THAT

NOT FORGOTTEN YOU

WRAPPED

CRADLE OF LOVE

GOT A FEELIN’ FOR YA

TIME HAS TOLD ME

FADING FAST

HAPPY WITH THAT

THEY’RE BLIND

NOT LONG FOR THIS WORLD

Previously Unissued Bonus Tracks

LIVE ON MOUNTAIN STAGE, NOVEMBER 14, 1999:

WHAT I DESERVE

NOT FORGOTTEN YOU

CRADLE OF LOVE

HEAVEN BOUND

FADING FAST

Whaddya mean you don't know Mick Audsley

Singer/songwriter and film editor Mick Audsley – a Nick Drake pal – cut an impressive album produced/arranged by Robert Kirby.

Toronto's Genevieve Marentette toasts Bob Dylan on his 83rd birthday

Check out Genevieve Marentette's version of Dylan's "Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You" and Nick Drake's "River Man"

Here's the scoop from Gigi...

"On Bob Dylan's 83rd birthday, I’m sharing my cover of  'Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You,'  from his legendary 1969 album Nashville Skyline.

 

"This song is a dedication to my darling flame of 5 years, my long-term dalliance, or LTD as I like to call 'em, who wrote me this beautiful bit: 

​

“Like all of us, Dylan can hear the ominous blast of the station master’s whistle. The train will inevitably leave the station. Love may not endure forever. Dylan may be singing about love that lasts a day, a week, or even a lifetime. The train is always readying to leave the station. The choice is always ours: punch our ticket or throw it out the window. Genevieve still sings this song to her lover on occasion, but sometimes, she tosses her suitcase back onto the train.”

​

"Joining me in this tribute is a stellar lineup, including Christine Bougie on lap steel, Vezi Tayyeb on keys, Eric St-Laurent and Jono Grant on guitars, George Koller on bass, Ben Wittman on drums, and Lori Cullen on background vocals. Together, we've created a sonic tribute reminiscent of "The Band". This rarely-covered song is the third single from my series of songs from 1969. Previous releases include recordings of Nick Drake’s 'River Man' and King Crimson’s 'I Talk to the Wind,' with more to come."

Listen to Gigi's versions of "Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You," "River Man" and "I Talk To The Wind" below. 

About Genevieve

Genevieve “Gigi” Marentette is a fixture in the Toronto music community. She was born in Leamington, Ontario, known affectionately as Tomato Town. Her father is a farmer, and her mother is a musician and social activist. As a child, Genevieve bounced around the north and south of Ontario - living communally and creatively. That upbringing helped nurture her free-spirited soul - full of saudade - and also her love of community - full of duende.   Genevieve spent her formative teen years in Detroit, where her family roots go back 265 years. She credits her unique artistry to her mom, @lindagirard and Detroit's rich musical history. After completing a college jazz diploma in Toronto, she travelled and performed extensively in Asia and Europe. Genevieve, or Gigi as her peeps call her, calls Toronto her home. Gigi has worked with Marc Houle, Theo Parrish, Recloose, David Clayton-Thomas, Jane Siberry and others. 

 

For more info and updates, visit Genevieve Marentette's site right here. 

Millie Small vs. Nick Drake

Nick Drake had to be taken aback by Millie Small's ska reworking of "Mayfair" arranged by his pal Robert Kirby in 1970. 

Happy Birthday Elton John!

Celebrating Elton John's birthday with some demo versions of Nick Drake's compositions recorded circa 1970.  

Elizabeth Shepherd shares animated clip for cover of Nick Drake's "Riverman"

The animation for the update of "Riverman" by Elizabeth Shepherd & Michael Occhipinti was created by Howie Shia and crew. 

"Riverman" is the lead track on The Weight Of Hope album by Elizabeth Shepherd & Michael Occhipinti available here.

Valerie June covers Nick Drake for deluxe edition of The Moon and Stars

Valerie June's version of Nick Drake's "Pink Moon" is one of nine bonus tracks on the deluxe edition of The Moon and Stars album.

Here's the scoop...

Valerie June’s latest album, The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers, was one of 2021’s most celebrated releases. Today, the Grammy-nominated, genre-busting artist expands the album’s visionary scope with a special digital Deluxe Edition featuring 23 tracks in all: The Moon and Stars’ 14 original tracks, six reimagined, acoustic versions plus three brand-new covers that align with the album’s theme: Nick Drake’s "Pink Moon," John Lennon’s "Imagine" and Stephen Foster’s "Beautiful Dreamer." Check out "Pink Moon" below. 

The Deluxe Edition’s six reimagined album tracks include the previously shared Within You (Moon And Stars/Acoustic), Why The Bright Stars Glow (Moon And Stars/Acoustic) featuring Mavis Staples, and You And I (Moon And Stars/Acoustic) along with three previously unreleased acoustic versions of the songs, "Smile," "Stardust Scattering," and "Stay."

“This Deluxe Edition reimagines a few of the album’s key tracks in a stripped-down acoustic setting that offer intimate takes of some the album's richest arrangements,” June explains. “Listening to the original album versions alongside these acoustic arrangements shows the life of each song and how they can be appreciated both with luscious layers and in their simplest forms.  Songs are living entities, and it's always lovely to watch how a song with a huge arrangement can still touch a listener even in its simplicity.” 

The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers, produced by June and Jack Splash, is sweeping and ambitious with earthy R&B production and a touch of psychedelia amidst its astral folk-pop orchestration. Uncut called it “a psychedelic tour de force” that is “powerfully, elegantly subversive,” and Rolling Stone proclaimed it, “career making.” At the centre is June’s spellbinding vocals and infectious sense of wonder that finds the Brooklyn-via-Memphis artist narrating the often-precarious journey to joyful possibility. The follow-up to her 2013 breakthrough, Pushin’ Against A Stone, and the widely adored The Order of Time—a 2017 effort that earned the admiration of Bob Dylan and landed on best-of-the-year lists—The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers is a transportive, deeply affecting work - a potent catalyst for those foolish enough to dream. 

Tickets are on sale now for June’s 2022 headlining tour which kicks off on March 31st in Seattle, WA, with a stop at The Danforth Music Hall in Toronto on May 10th. Check the full routing is below and for more information visit valeriejune.com/#tour.

 

The Moon & Stars 2022 Tour Dates

Thu Mar 31 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox 
Fri Apr 1 – Vancouver, BC – The Commodore Ballroom 
Sat Apr 2 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater 
Sun Apr 3 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater 
Tue Apr 5 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore 
Wed Apr 6 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre 
Fri Apr 8 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre 
Sat Apr 9 – San Diego, CA – Belly Up 
Fri Apr 22 – Kennett Square, PA – Longwood Gardens Open Air Theatre
Tue May 3 – Northampton, MA – Academy of Music Theatre 
Wed May 4 – New York, NY – Town Hall 
Thu May 5 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore 
Fri May 6 – Munhall, PA – Carnegie Music Hall at Homestead 
Sat May 7 – Ithaca, NY – State Theatre 
Tue May 10 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall 
Wed May 11 – Ferndale, MI – Magic Bag 
Fri May 13 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom 
Sat May 14 – Columbus, OH – The Athenaeum Theatre 
Sun May 15 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI Annex 
Mon May 16 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre 
Wed May 18 – Chicago, IL – Old Town School 
Thu May 19 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall 
Fri May 20 – Minneapolis, MN – Pantages Theatre
Sat May 21 – Iowa City, IA – Englert Theatre 
Sun May 22 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall 
Tue May 24 – Louisville, KY – Paristown Hall 
Wed May 25 – Cincinnati, OH – Memorial Hall 
Fri May 27 – Harrisburg, PA – Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center 
Sat May 28 – Annapolis, MD – Ram's Head On Stage

Producer Joe Boyd recalls hearing Nick Drake for the first time

Following up a tip from Fairport Convention's Ashley Hutchings, Joe Boyd rang up Nick Drake and asked him to drop off a demo. 

R.I.P. Millie Small, 1946-2020

Remembering Millie Small who helped bring Jamaican ska to international attention and recorded the first reggae cover of a Nick Drake song.

LINKS
Jamaica Observer Millie Small dies. Chris Blackwell remembers her as a special person
The Guardian Millie Small, My Boy Lollipop singer, dies at 73

Before They Were Famous: Elton John & Nick Drake

Before he was known as Elton John, DJM employee Reg Dwight sang some demos of songs by an aspiring artist named Nick Drake circa 1968. 

Andy Bey's 1998 classic "Shades Of Bey" finally issued on vinyl

Andy Bey reunited with Gary Bartz for this lovely small combo set issued by Ko Ko Music as 2 LPs cut at 45 rpm.

Happy Birthday Nick Drake

Remembering Nick Drake on his day with a live version of River Man recorded for the John Peel show.

Paul Weller vs. Nick Drake

Nick Drake's River Man is already quite unsettling but Paul Weller tries to make it a bit darker.

Choir! Choir! Choir! @ Monarch Tavern, tonight

Check out Choir! Choir! Choir!'s lovely rendition of Nick Drake's Pink Moon.