Cabinet of Wonders - Singing A Song In The Morning (aka Religious Experience)

About This Footage

In the dimly lit confines of City Winery in Chicago on a crisp autumn evening in 2013, Kevin Ayers' "Singing A Song In The Morning" unfolded like a sacred ritual. This rare footage, captured during Wesley Stace's Cabinet Of Wonders series, is a poignant reminder of the artist's enduring legacy.

At the time of this performance, Kevin Ayers was already an established figure in the British psychedelic scene, having co-founded Soft Machine and released several critically acclaimed solo albums. His unique blend of folk, rock, and psychedelia had garnered a devoted following, but it was his live shows that truly set him apart – unpredictable, mesmerizing, and often bordering on the spiritual.

This particular performance is significant not only because of Ayers' presence but also due to the context in which it took place. Wesley Stace's Cabinet Of Wonders series aimed to bring together eclectic performers for intimate, stripped-down sets that blurred the lines between music and storytelling. The event's atmosphere was akin to a mystical gathering, with each artist invited to share their most personal and enigmatic works.

Ayers' rendition of "Singing A Song In The Morning" is a slow-burning, hypnotic exploration of the human condition. His voice, weathered from years of touring and experimentation, conveys a sense of weariness and wonder in equal measure. As he sings, his eyes seem to gaze into some distant realm, as if channeling the spirits that have guided him throughout his career.

This footage is rare for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a glimpse into Ayers' live performances during this period, which were often documented but rarely captured on film. Secondly, it highlights the unique chemistry between Ayers and Stace's Cabinet Of Wonders series, an event that was as much about community and connection as it was about music.

Viewers will be struck by the eerie sense of calm that pervades this performance. The camera pans across the audience, revealing a sea of entranced faces, each lost in their own private world. It's as if Ayers' music has conjured a collective trance, transporting everyone present to a realm beyond the confines of time and space.

As we watch Kevin Ayers weave his sonic tapestry, it becomes clear that this performance is not merely a cover song but an act of devotion – a surrender to the mysteries of existence. In "Singing A Song In The Morning," Ayers has distilled the essence of his art into a singular, transcendent moment, one that continues to captivate and inspire listeners to this day.

In this 7:43 clip, we are not merely witnessing a performance but participating in a shared experience – a communal ritual that bridges the gap between artist and audience. As Ayers' voice fades into the distance, leaving behind only whispers of his lyrics, it's as if he has imparted a secret to those present, a reminder of the transformative power of music to transport us beyond the mundane and into the realm of the sublime.

Curated from public records and music databases.