Daevid Allen

Release Overview

"Banana Moon," released in July 1971, is the debut solo album of Daevid Allen, known for his role in Gong and as a co-founder of Soft Machine. This album was produced for BYG Records and features a gatefold vinyl format. Recorded in early 1971 at Marquee Studios in London, the album showcases a unique blend of jazz-rock, psychedelic rock, and elements of the Canterbury scene.

Collaborative Lineup

The album features a distinctive lineup of musicians. Daevid Allen takes the lead with vocals and guitars, showcasing his eclectic style. Robert Wyatt, famed for his work with Soft Machine, contributes drums and lead vocals on the track "Memories," bringing a haunting quality to the song originally penned in 1967. The lineup also includes Archie Legget on bass, Pip Pyle on drums for one track, and Gary Wright on acoustic piano. Notable contributions come from jazz trombonist Nick Evans and Gilli Smyth, who adds her unique spoken word elements.

Musical Style and Themes

"Banana Moon" features a playful and energetic fusion of musical styles. The album incorporates avant-garde jazz-rock with elements of Dadaist absurdity, psych rants, and cosmic space-rock improvisation. Tracks like "It's The Time Of Your Life" and "White Neck Blooze" illustrate the album's diversity. The side-long suite "Stoned Innocent Frankenstein And His Adventures In The Land Of Flip" offers a 15-minute exploration into the band's improvisational capabilities, showcasing their creative synergy.

Recording and Production

The production of "Banana Moon" was overseen by Jean Georgakarakos and Jean-Luc Young, with sound engineering by Phil Dunne. The recording sessions took place over a brief period in January and February of 1971. This tight timeframe contributed to the spontaneity and raw energy evident throughout the album.

Conclusion

The album was released under the catalog number BYG Actuel 529.345.