The past couple of weeks have found me spinning a disc comprised of the following Elton John session (from July 1970) in which the artist lays out, among other tracks, a selection of Nick Drake covers. Yes, you read that correctly. Let’s first address the 800 lb gorilla in the room: on paper the often gregarious bombast of Elton John coupled with the work of the introspective Drake looks rough. But it actually works. As a fan of both artists, the session provides a not only interesting but equally entertaining look at the Drake material. This was just prior to John’s mega-stardom, and prior to his parading around on stage dressed as Donald Duck. Below are some notes a friend gave me along with the tracks (note: they may have been culled from elsewhere).

“Apparently Joe Boyd arranged a recording date to showcase some new songs, including some other material from Mike Heron and John Martyn (among others). The future Linda Thompson,then known as Linda Peters, handled backing vox and then sang lead on a few more songs. Possibly some people from Fairport Convention and/or Traffic were in the band.”

Personnel: Elton John– Piano/vocals, Linda Peters– vocals, Jim Capaldi or Gerry Conway – Drums, Pat Donaldson- Bass, Simon Nicol or Caleb Quaye – Guitar

Download:

MP3: Elton John :: Saturday Sun (Nick Drake)

MP3: Elton John :: Sweet Honesty (Beverley Martin)

MP3: Elton John :: Stormbringer (John Martyn)

MP3: Elton John :: Way to Blue (Nick Drake)

MP3: Elton John :: Go Out and Get It (Mike Heron)

MP3: Elton John :: The Day is Done (Nick Drake)

MP3: Elton John :: Time Has Told Me (Nick Drake)

MP3: Elton John :: You Get Brighter (Mike Heron) Linda Peters-vocals

MP3: Elton John :: This Moment (Mike Heron) Linda Peters-vocals

MP3: Elton John :: I Don’t Mind (Ed Carter) Linda Peters-vocals

MP3: Elton John :: Pied Piper (Ed Carter) Linda Peters-vocals

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