After nine years in the making, "The Making Of Five Leaves Left," an extensive 4-CD and 4-LP box set chronicling the creation of Nick Drake's iconic debut album, is officially released today via UMR/Island Records. This Nick Drake Estate-authorized edition offers an unprecedented look into the genesis of Five Leaves Left, featuring over 30 previously unheard outtakes from the original sessions.
The decision to release this comprehensive set, rather than a typical anniversary deluxe edition, stems from the Estate's desire to allow listeners to first appreciate the original studio recordings. However, the recent discovery of remarkable tapes from two new outside sources, coupled with a thorough re-ordering of Universal's tape library, prompted Nick's sister, Gabrielle Drake, to feel that now was the opportune moment to reveal the album's origin story.
"The Making Of Five Leaves Left" meticulously tells the album's narrative through its musical evolution. Mojo hailed the set with a five-star review, stating, "‘The Making Of Five Leaves Left’ allows listeners to be in the room too, to share in the clear joy that the participants took in the process." Uncut, giving it a 9/10, praised it as "A trove of unreleased music [that] shines revelatory new light on Nick Drake’s acclaimed debut."
The collection includes Drake's first-ever session at Sound Techniques, unearthed from a mono listening-reel safeguarded by Beverley Martyn for over fifty years. Also featured is a full reel recorded at Caius College by Cambridge acquaintance Paul de Rivaz, which had been tucked away for decades. The final disc in each package presents the original Joe Boyd-produced album, all meticulously mastered by John Wood and Simon Heywood. The entire set is housed in beautiful packaging, accompanied by an illustrated 60-page book written by Neil Storey in collaboration with Richard Morton-Jack, offering new insights from the latter's acclaimed biography, The Life.
This lovingly curated release promises to deepen appreciation for one of music's most revered and enigmatic artists.
