A Short History of Nick Drake

Nick Drake died when he was just 26. He had recorded just three albums, which were at first commercially unsuccessful. But as with many artists, it wasn't until he had gone that he was praised and cherished. He rarely played live and had little contact with his record company, conducted few interviews and recorded few radio sessions. In the early seventies serious artists relied on the serious music press and live performances to spread the word. Singles were not released either. So Drake was effectively cut off from his potential audience. When he was recording he was not widely known, almost anonymous. But since his death his name has become a byword for a particular type of music and an approach to music which is based on the word 'real'. He wrote lyrics and music which went far beyond his contemporaries and still remain as a benchmark for singer-songwriters.

He was born in Burma. His parents were upper middle class. They moved to Tamworth-In-Arden in England when he was young. It was a comfortable, serene setting for the young Drake to grow up in. He was educated at Marlborough, a private school and at Cambridge University where he studied French symbolist poetry. Whilst at University he performed some of his early songs and was seen by a member of Fairport Convention, who told Joe Boyd from Witchseason Productions. Boyd sent Drake to a studio almost immediately to record his songs. They resulted in his debut album 'Five Leaves Left'.

His songs followed the folk tradition, but they were more accessible. His vocal style set him apart from folk's traditions. The songs are sad, but never self-indulgent. His singing style was deep and smooth but never angry, though they appear aloof at times and are always articulate. On his debut album the guitar playing is crisp and precise. The string arrangements are imaginative and came via his University friend Robert Kirby. Danny Thompson provides double bass and Rocky Dzidzornu plays congas. The strings though are center stage over the course of the album, letting Drake's vocal and excellent guitar work to shine with the minimum of fuss.

Sometimes the lyrics are vague and hint at future events, or clinging memories, but it really isn't important. The song's are all about mood and are meditative mainly due to his cyclical guitar figures and beautiful, timeless voice.

His next album was called 'Bryter Layter'. It invites more introspection and reflection, though on the whole is a little lighter in tone than his debut. This is mainly because of the gentler string arrangements and the light jazzy piano, alto-sax and a rolling bass and drums from Fairport Convention's Dave Matacks and Dave Pegg. There's also John Cale with his viola, celeste and harpsichord adding some delicate touches.

'Pink Moon' was released in 1972 and is way heavier than his other work. The songs could have come out of a period of depression for Drake and apart from a little piano here and there, it's just Drake's voice and guitar which present a starkly beautiful set of songs. He recorded the album in just two nights and then dropped the master tapes off at his record label's headquarters at Island Records. They weren't discovered until a few days later.

In the few weeks before his death, Nick Drake seemed at his most happy for some time. He had a best-of compilation out and it was selling quite well. He was talking about working with other musicians and playing more live shows. He died of a drug overdose and robbed his family of a much loved son and brother and the world of a genius songwriter, singer and guitarist. A gentle soul who battled against depression and produced some of the most beautiful songs ever committed to tape. There is a prophetic line in his wonderful song 'Fruit Tree'. He sings 'They'll all know you were here when you're gone'. He was so right.