Complete 1969-1973

A founder member of Soft Machine, Kevin embarked on a solo career in 1969, signing to EMI’s Harvest label and recording the album "Joy Of A Toy" the same year. It is a mark of Kevin’s stature that his recordings during this period would feature contributions from notable musicians such as arranger and keyboard player David Bedford, Robert Wyatt, Syd Barrett, Mike Oldfield, Lol Coxhill, Steve Hillage, Archie Legget and many more.

This forthcoming boxed set includes all of the surviving 'BBC Sessions' and 'In Concert' appearances recorded by Kevin during this period, including a previously unreleased John Peel concert from 1970 and other tracks, featuring Soft Machine, Bridget St John and Gong.

Other highlights include the inclusion of a complete set recorded at a Hyde Park Free concert in 1970, newly mixed and restored by Stephen W Tayler, previously unreleased session outtakes and a segment from a 1972 concert and a performance at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1973. Rounding off the set is a region free BluRay disc which includes a series of live performances recorded for French television, along with two sessions for 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' in 1972 and 1973, with 3 previous unseen alternate performances from 1972, and the 'Caribbean Moon' promotional film. The set is completed with a 68 page illustrated book with a new essay.

Compiled with the full approval of Kevin Ayers’ estate, this box set is a supreme tribute to a performer of whom John Peel once said; "Kevin Ayers' talent is so acute you could perform major eye surgery with it". This boxed set celebrates and confirms that talent.

"All This Crazy Gift Of Time : The Complete Recordings 1969-1973", Cherry Red Records, October 18th, 2024.