AYERS STILL LIVE WITH GUITAR
Still Life With Guitar - Kevin Ayers (MSMCD112 )
Released: 18-2-02 Market Square Records
Market Square Records follows up its 2000 live set from cult rocker Kevin Ayers with a reissue of his 1992 offering "Still Life With Guitar", with bonus tracks in alternate takes from the album sessions - plus a previously unreleased track recorded in the back of a Majorcan taxi!
His 14th album release after splitting in 1969 with former Soft Machine colleagues to forge a solo career found Kevin Ayers consolidating on the strengths of his 1988 return to form "Falling Up" with this collection: songs of equal quality and assurance and a repertoire at ease in the company of material penned at the perceived heights of his career in the mid-1970s.
In addition to the quality of songs in evidence was sterling support from the likes of Mike Oldfield, Ollie Halsall, Danny Thompson, BJ Cole and Mark Nevin amongst other members of Fairground Attraction.
The UK release of "Still Life …" was not as happy an affair as elsewhere, notably France where a strong promotional campaign was rewarded by extensive critical acclaim in music and national press. No production details or photos came with the package: this is put right here, with these elements included plus notes from producer Dave Vatch and Kevin and some sunny, new photography to complement the songs (and warm everybody up on a cold day).
There are extras tracks also: a lighter, more acoustically-driven I Don't Depend On You with a doubly warm and resonant vocal whilst Ollie's vibes work a treat for an extended Don't Blame Them.
And then there's a special bonus in a previously unreleased song: Running In The Human Race. This wry number, with some uplifting advice for one whose wine has become a little too dry, owes much thematically to Kevin Ayers' near-hit of the '70s, Stranger In Blue Suede Shoes.
"My songs are timeless - darling" he remarked to an amused Mark Radcliffe during a live session showcasing "Still Life …" for Radio 1 in the UK. In "Still Life With Guitar", he shells out the Ayers ethos: enjoy - now.
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