Kevin Ayers

Kevin Ayers is one of rock's oddest and more likable enigmas. There are few artists who qualify more than this recluse for music’s highest accolades. He is also one of rock's more important (and more humane) innovators, launching Soft Machine in 1966 with Daevid Allen, Robert Wyatt and Mike Ratledge. Later he performed as a solo artist, working with noted European musicians like Mike Oldfield, Lol Coxhill, Steve Hillage, Brian Eno and John Cale.

A recent Record Collector publication celebrating the 100 greatest psychedelic records describes Kevin and Syd Barratt as two of the genres most important figures. He continues to be (refreshingly although somewhat frustratingly) self-effacing, oblivious to his talent and still preserving a private distance from claiming his place as one of the most significant and influential musicians of his generation. Awarded the Ordre de la Grande Gidouille by the College of Pataphysics, he's released a number of albums with a distinctly British sensibility, making ordinary lyrical subjects seem extraordinary with his rich low vocals, inventive wordplay, and bemused, relaxed attitude.

The singer/songwriter inspires the image of a sort of rock dandy beach bum, writing about life's absurdities with a celebratory, relaxed detachment. [from his official website biog]