Wed, Apr. 22, 9pm EDT - 'Five Leaves Left' by Nick Drake

Nick Drake has never reached the level of popularity that many, including me, would argue he rightfully deserves.  The fact that much of his music is drenched in melancholy overtones may be a substantial reason for that lack of fame.  But those not afraid to take a walk on the sombre side are richly rewarded when crawling through the all too brief catalogue of Nick Drake.  

The first of only three studio albums to be completed by Nick Drake, Five Leaves Left (a reference to the message found when nearing the end of a packet of Rizia rolling papers) was recorded between July '68 & '69. The album, ultimately released on September 1, 1969, still remains an astonishingly brilliant debut album by what was then a little know artist.  Drake wrote every track on the LP (a feat he would continue on both subsequent albums).  And at the heart of each of those ten tracks (other than Way to Blue" which contains no guitar) are his rich vocals and beautiful finger picking guitar style.  Although two albums later, on Pink Moon, Nick Drake would illustrate that those elements were really the only two necessary to bring his songs to life, on Five Leaves Left, the additional orchestral instrumentation and arrangements rarely, if ever, feel tacked on or overdone.  In fact the balance between singer / songwriter and accompanying orchestration feel as if they were born to compliment each other.  That point is tremendously illustrated by the intimate feeling that shines through on these recordings. At the end of the day, yes, one could attempt to make the argument that those feelings are not uplifting.  But it would be difficult for anyone to contend that this album does not represent art in one of its highest forms.  So when Five Leaves Left closes out with "Saturday Sun", don't be surprised if you find yourself with a smile on your face!  

Join me on April 22nd for a visit to the world of Nick Drake.  It will be worth the trip!

(*note that this has been rescheduled from April 15th)

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