24 songs that influenced and inspired one of British folk's most legendary figures

One of contemporary music's true originals, the inimitable songs of Nick Drake are often difficult to imagine having been influenced by anyone but himself. But as with all true musical giants, Drake's compositions and style were informed by a diverse range of musicians, songwriters and performers who came before.

From the sublime finger-picking and glorious tunes of the wholly under-rated Bert Jansch to the country blues styles of Big Bill Broonzy and Reverend Gary Davis - via Donovan, The Yardbirds and Miles Davis, he listened to all of them and many others besides. The inspiration these mavericks provided motivated the often manically depressed Nick Drake into writing , recording and, on the very rare occasion, performing some of the most beautiful music ever written - albeit, tragically, the process would contribute in no small way to his untimely death at the age of just 26.

This compilation traces the roots of Nick Drake's astonishing music and features all of the above mentioned artists and many others - with 24 superb and moving tracks in all. 24 tracks which now can be appreciated all together on this collection, enabling the appreciation of where this mysterious and legendary figure found much of his musical muse and hopefully, for a man often tortured by his own existence, at least a little comfort.

Track Listing

• Louis Armstrong - St James Infirmary
• The Yardbirds - Heart Full Of Soul
• Bukka White - Parchman Farm
• Odetta - Gallows Tree
• Miles Davis - Blue In Green
• Josh White - Careless Love
• Brownie McGhee - Betty and Dupree
• João Gilberto - Chega de Saudade
• Billie Holiday - Summertime
• Dave Van Ronk - If You Leave Me Pretty Mama
• Dave Van Ronk - Black Mountain Blues
• Blind Boy Fuller - Little Woman Your So Sweet
• Ramblin’ Jack Elliott - Cocaine Blues
• Reverend Gary Davis - Samson and Delilah
• Donovan - Guinevere
• Bob Dylan - Girl From The North Country
• Woody Guthrie - Gypsy Davey
• Pete Seeger - Black Girl
• Phil Ochs - I Ain't Marching Anymore
• Bascom Lamar Lunsford - I Wish I Was a Mole In The Ground
• Bert Jansch - Blackwaterside
• Pentangle - Wedding Dress
• Big Bill Broonzy - When Do I Get To Be Called a Man
• Robert Johnson - Hellhound On My Trail

Additional Details

Label: Chrome Dreams

Genre: Pop/Rock

Language: English

Run Time: 69 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 06/09/15

UPC: 823564614724