Kevin Ayers listened to this recently discovered collection of his private demo recordings and out-takes, and found them to be a refreshing reminder of a musical innocence, unique to the nineteen seventies. Much more than nuggets from a golden era, these songs remain compellingly personal in their simplicity, and sit alongside sunny instrumentals featuring friends David Bedford, Mike Oldfield, Archie Leggett (1944 – 1997) and Robert Wyatt.

Of special note is the fourteen minute private demonstration for the Doctor Dream suite, a stunning 'audio letter' synopsis with acoustic performances and wry commentary. Never has Kevin Ayers' voice and guitar been captured in such natural intimacy.

These beautifully recorded reel-to-reel tapes are an indispensable portrait of an artist as a young man. Or to convey the response from manager Tim Shepard, "This is Kevin's Holy Grail!" What more can we say?

This collection of private performances, direct from Kevin's personal open reel-to-reel tape recordings, was produced by Michael King & Miki Dand
 

KEVIN AYERS

What More Can I Say?

1. Unfinished
2. This Song Isn't Called Anything
3. Crystal Clear
4. Crying
5. Clarence In Oysterland
6. Dreaming Doctor
7. What More Can Anyone Say...

 

£10.99 plus postage