Kevin Ayers was one of the most enigmatic and influential figures of the late 1960s and early 1970s. With his roots in the Canterbury Scene and a flair for blending folk, jazz, rock, and whimsical storytelling, Ayers carved out a unique space in the music world. This year, Esoteric Records released a stunning 9-CD and Blu-ray box set titled All This Crazy Gift of Time: The Recordings 1969–1973.
Who Was Kevin Ayers?
Kevin Ayers emerged from the burgeoning Canterbury Scene, a genre-crossing musical movement rooted in the English city of Canterbury. He co-founded Soft Machine, one of the era’s most innovative bands, blending jazz, rock, and psychedelia. Ayers left Soft Machine after their debut album, citing a desire to follow his artistic instincts.
His solo career began with Joy of a Toy in 1969, marking the start of a series of eclectic and whimsical albums. Known for his poetic lyrics, baritone voice, and refusal to conform to industry norms, Ayers became a cult figure. Collaborations with artists like Mike Oldfield, Robert Wyatt, and Syd Barrett further cemented his reputation as a musician’s musician.
What’s in the Box Set?
All This Crazy Gift of Time collects Ayers’ recordings during his prolific Harvest Records years (1969–1973). The set includes:
Nine CDs featuring remastered versions of:
Joy of a Toy (1969)
Shooting at the Moon (1970)
Whatevershebringswesing (1971)
Bananamour (1973)
Plus unreleased outtakes, BBC sessions, and live material.
A Blu-ray Disc featuring:
Rare French TV performances.
The Old Grey Whistle Test appearances.
Promo videos, including “Caribbean Moon.”
A 68-page booklet packed with essays, rare photos, and detailed track notes.
The remastered versions of Ayers’ albums shine. Joy of a Toy, with its whimsical melodies and contributions from Syd Barrett and Robert Wyatt, is a standout. Tracks like “The Lady Rachel” capture the dreamlike quality of Ayers’ music.
Shooting at the Moon takes a more experimental turn, featuring Mike Oldfield on bass and guitar. The interplay between Ayers and Oldfield is magical, foreshadowing Oldfield’s later masterpiece, Tubular Bells.
Unreleased Gems and BBC Sessions
The box set offers a fabulous look into Ayers’ archives. The unreleased tracks and BBC sessions showcase a more spontaneous and raw side of his artistry. Hearing Mike Oldfield and Steve Hillage (of Gong) play alongside Ayers adds depth to these recordings.
The Blu-ray disc is a visual feast. Performances from French TV and The Old Grey Whistle Test reveal Ayers’ charisma and the artistic community around him. Seeing Mike Oldfield and Ayers performing together is a highlight, giving a glimpse into the collaborative spirit of the early ’70s.
The booklet is filled with essays, rare photos, and musician credits, it paints a vivid picture of Ayers’ creative process and the era’s Bohemian vibe.
Kevin Ayers’ music bridges the gap between the psychedelic ’60s and the experimental ’70s. His collaborations with luminaries like Syd Barrett, Mike Oldfield, and Steve Hillage show how interconnected the progressive and psychedelic rock worlds were.
This box set isn’t just for Kevin Ayers fans—it’s for anyone curious about the Canterbury Scene, progressive rock, or the roots of artists like Mike Oldfield. It’s a piece of musical archaeology that reveals the spirit of an era where creativity was king, and musicians were encouraged to take risks.
At around £90, All This Crazy Gift of Time might seem like an investment, but it’s worth every penny. The remastering is top-notch, the content is exhaustive, and the presentation is elegant and thoughtful.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
