Three Records from Sundown and Remembering Five Leaves Left

In two half-hour features exploring the short life and enduring music of Nick Drake, we hear from record producer Joe Boyd and from bassist Danny Thompson, whose playing is a key element of Nick Drake's classic first album.

Three Records from Sundown

Nick Drake was an English songwriter, singer and instrumentalist. At the time of his death, at the age of 26 in 1974, his three albums had sold poorly and he was little known. Nick Drake's darkly lyrical songs have since found their audience and he's now regarded as an influential musical figure. In Three Records from Sundown, Charles Maynes traces the Nick Drake tale through interviews with legendary producer Joe Boyd, who championed the young artist and produced his first two records.

Producer and narrator: Charles Maynes

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Remembering Five Leaves Left: Danny Thompson on Nick Drake

In 1968, Danny Thompson was an in-demand bassist on the London jazz scene when he got the call from producer Joe Boyd to play on the first album by the 20-year-old songwriter Nick Drake. In conversation with Robyn Johnston, Danny recalls the recording session for Five Leaves Left and tells of encounters with a fine and fragile young musician.

Producers: Robyn Johnston and David Le May

Sound engineer: David Le May

Originally broadcast on Radio National's Into The Music

23rd October 2010

HERE