Bill Nelson – Trial By Intimacy (The Book Splendours)

Not a compilation : "Trial By Intimacy was initially issued as a 4 LP boxed set, limited to 5000 copies, containing four previously unreleased instrumental albums, a set of 8 postcards, and a book of Nelson’s photography entitled, The Arcane Eye. The 4 LP set was originally to be called Sensoria, and was to have included Sounding the Ritual Echo rather than The Summer of God's Piano. But as the album was nearing completion, Nelson switched the 1981 album for a brand new collection, reissuing Sounding the Ritual Echo separately later in 1985, but in artwork that complemented the 4 albums housed in Trial By Intimacy." Source : www.billnelson.com/trial-by-intimacy

"I have often found a painter's sketchbook and his finished work to be of equal interest. Despite their apparent lack of sophistication, sketches invariably posses a simplicity and freshness encapsulating all the essential qualities of an idea. It is with this promise in mind that I release 'Trial By Intimacy', a musical sketchbook of instrumental moods captured during many private moments over the last few years.

Although recorded on 'low-tech' domestic equipment, these eighty-three pieces of music are not to be confused with 'demo-tapes' but as a continuation of the process begun in 1979-1980 with my "Sounding The Ritual Echo" album. The set is presented unpolished and complete with all its technical deformities for which I offer no apology. Despite or perhaps because of this, these previously unreleased pieces have become very dear to my heart.

Intuition, spontaneity and the high disregard for error correction were the only rules adhered to during the recording process (Laziness sometimes possessing its own virtue). Each piece of music was dealt with as an infant deals with building-blocks and instinct was always given precedence over reason.

A great deal of time has been spent editing the material into the four albums contained here although there are as yet another forty or so pieces not represented. I acknowledge the difficulties presented to the listener by such a large volume of music and can only suggest that listening should not be rushed in any way. Time and patience will, I hope unveil the innocent charm of what for me has been both a labour of love and a personal exorcism."

- Bill Nelson, Oct '84.

4 LP boxed set, limited to 5000 copies, containing four previously unreleased albums, a set of 8 postcards and a book of Bill's photography entitled "The Arcane Eye".

The first releases of "Trial By Intimacy" did not have a book due to problems with assembly. Cocteau included a letter on how you can receive a book in the box.

The albums each have their own catalogue number and are as follows:

The Summer Of Gods Piano (JC 6)
Chamber Of Dreams (Music From The Invisibility Exhibition) (JC 7)
Pavilions Of Heart And Soul (JC 8)
A Catalogue Of Obsessions (JC 9)

Some versions of this Box Set appear to omit the track "Tantra" from "The Summer Of God's Piano" (B1).