Nick Drake's Estate announces forthcoming release, The Making Of Five Leaves Left

The reason for the lack of any previous typical anniversary-related ‘deluxe’ set, was the Estate’s wish that the listener concentrate on the beauty within the original released studio recordings. However following the discovery of tapes from two new outside sources plus, a comprehensive re-ordering of the Universal tape library, Nick’s sister Gabrielle felt that now was the time to reveal the origin story of the album.

The choice of tracks was made in order to tell the story as faithfully as possible, and not simply to release all the takes on all of the tapes.

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This box-set features studio out-takes and previously unheard songs that tell the story of how Nick Drake’s debut album came to be released on Island Records in July 1969. The set includes his first ever session at Sound Techniques – found on a mono listening-reel which Beverley Martyn had squirrelled away over fifty years ago. It also contains the full reel recorded at Caius College by Cambridge acquaintance Paul de Rivaz which had lain in the bottom of a drawer for decades, accompanying him and his family around the world.

The Making Of Five Leaves Left will feature full recording details, charts and the recording history across an illustrated 60 page book. The book, printed on special textured paper-stock which is 100% recyclable and biodegradable, was written by Neil Storey in collaboration with Richard Morton-Jack.