Bryter Later - NICK DRAKE****

Introduction/Hazey Jane II/At The Chime Of A City Clock/One Of These Things First/Hazey Jane I/Bryter Later/Fly/Poor Boy/Northern Sky/Sunday

Singer-songwriter Nick Drake’s second album Bryter Later has been described as an awkward mix of folk and cocktail jazz. Despite the assistance of Fairport Convention he never achieved commercial success during his lifetime.

“Never been a huge fan of cocktail-lounge-jazz whatever music this is, but thankfully Nick Drake's crushing depression and hopelessness manage to crawl through the jungles of happy uplifting string arrangements, and make this one worth listening to.”

“I can vouch for Bryter Layter as a spectacular record. It has such an air of originality and cutting purity that it brings me close to tears each time I hear it. His enchanting voice, along with the intriguing instrumental arrangement, pulls you in immediately.”

“Bryter Layter is a more playful and less melancholic record than Drake's previous one. Nice folky arrangements, a more jazzy approach and great lyrics make these songs so good. A gentle and polished but still very sad LP. Another gem from Nick Drake's painfully short discography.”

“A great album with only a few flaws, the orchestrations leave the guitar buried. While the songs are beautiful, I would have much preferred a version with just Nick Drake and a guitar. However, this album is still definitely worth checking out.”

“Nick had his own poetic voice from the beginning, and his legacy is being rediscovered by a new generation of musicians. This album is the perfect entry point to investigate Drake's magic. The variety, sympathetic production and breathtakingly beautiful songs of Bryter Layter make it my favourite by this gifted artist.”

“Yes, it is overproduced. The horns often eclipse and cover the delicate fine cracks of Nick Drake's songs which are his strongest facet and appeal. But they don't completely cover the great songs underneath, and Bryter Layter at its core is still the sound of an excellent folk artist.”

“Nick teaches you how to slow down the rhythm of the world, pay attention to little things, colours, sounds, trees, tiny animals... but some people find it very depressive. I find it relaxing and spiritually enriching. Just in terms of emotion, it all flows seamlessly with a gentle summer feel. I believe Nick probably offered this album as an antidote to the stress of city life.”