Poor Boy

The track was recorded for Bryter Layter at Sound Techniques in London with Nick Drake working with producer Joe Boyd, engineer John Wood and arranger Robert Kirby. The recording features a fuller ensemble setting than Drake solo material, including jazz inflected backing vocals and session musicians from the Bryter Layter sessions. Released on Bryter Layter in 1971, it showed Drake working in a more arranged and ensemble based setting than on Pink Moon. Though not issued as a charting single, it contributed to the album sophisticated studio identity within Island Records early 1970s singer songwriter catalogue. It remains a notable Bryter Layter deep cut and an example of Drake brief move toward jazzier, more orchestrated arrangements. The track continues to be valued in reassessments of his catalogue for its contrast with his more austere recordings.