FIVE LEAVES LEFT

FORTY YEARS ON FROM ITS ORIGINAL RELEASE, DAVE LEWIS TELLS THE STORY OF NICK DRAKE’S DEBUT RECORDING

Forty years ago this month, Nick Drake could be found performing a rare (for him) series of one-night club gigs in support of his recently released album Five Leaves Left. Details are sketchy as to how many gigs Drake performed, but it’s known that in the late autumn he was to be found playing in selected folk club venues. The paranoia and self doubt that would mar so much of his short career eventually led him to abandon live appearances altogether.

It might have all been a different story if the Five Leaves Left album had not been largely ignored by the record buying public. Despite the faith and optimism of producer Joe Boyd, Nick’s music never achieved the acclaim it deserved in his lifetime. That is, of course, in stark contrast to the esteem he is held in today. His music can now be heard via an extensive and best-selling catalogue. Thanks to tribute acts treading the boards nightly, his music being regularly used for film soundtracks (such as The Royal Tenenbaums) and celebratory fans such as Brad Pitt hailing his greatness, new generations of listeners are enthralled by the fragile quality of Drake’s timeless songs.

Back in the late 60s, the young fledgling singer-songwriter struggled to find acceptance for his talent. Nicholas Rodney Drake was born on 19 June 1948 in Rangoon, Burma. His father …

by DAVE LEWIS
<< Back to Issue 370

You must be a subscriber to view the full article, subscribe now for full access to all online content.

Already a Magazine Subscriber? Register now for online access.