Just seen this article in Prog / Louder Sound: - https://www.loudersound.com/features/bill-nelson-a-life-in-music Very much an overview that only skims the surface of Bill's incredible career, but good promotion never the less.

Listened to the first 3 discs this afternoon (halfway in) and my first impression is that this set is SPECIAL! There’s something in it for everyone; from the more introspective, personal songs, to rock, funk, jazz, blues, and even dare I say it, some pop. The sheer breadth of music on offer is truly astonishing. This is a journey to be savoured, with many aural delights to be enjoyed along the way; including for those looking for them – some truly wonderful guitar solos and breaks (note, they’re in Bill’s 2020’s style though – not the 1970’s). What did take me by surprise, I’m not too sure why, but that’s how accessible it is, even on the first listen. I’m actually finding the listening experience to be quite uplifting and it’s making me feel, despite all the worrying things happening in the world at present and as strange as it sounds, fairly upbeat and optimistic. I’d even go so far as to say, with a booster jab and by listening to My Private Cosmos, we will get through it! I think I was probably expecting much of the music to be more ‘challenging’ given the circumstances and period Bill composed and recorded it, however My Private Cosmos wears its heart and charms on its sleeve and IMHO will be enjoyed by all those who truly appreciate Bill’s musical world. I would love to offer up some song titles as being my personal ‘stand outs’ however, at this stage the list would have to be most of the 47 tracks I’ve listened to so far! In summary, my thoughts on the package as a whole; yes, it’s a given that it’s not an inconsiderable financial outlay for most people, but I would say to anyone who is able to, get a copy now while you can and bring a bit of pure joy into your life. I honestly think you wouldn’t regret it; the words of Keats come to mind ‘A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever’. And for those waiting for their copy to arrive; you’re not going to like this one – you’ll LOVE it!!

For anyone looking for a copy of the Sunburst Finish deluxe version boxset and contemplating paying silly ebay money for it, I've noticed that Cherry Red are repressing the original 2018 release. The release date is 4th Feb next year:- https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/be-bop-deluxe-sunburst-finish-3cd-1dvd-limited-edition-deluxe-boxset/ On the subject of reissues, I've also noticed that the hard to find Chimera CD from 2005 has recently been reissued by Universal Music and is available at Burning Shed for under a tenner:- https://burningshed.com/store/billnelson/bill-nelson_chimera_cd

Even after 45 years of following Bill and buying everything he puts out as it’s released, I’m both a bit surprised as well as being reassured by the feelings of anticipation & excitement I find myself experiencing at the prospect of getting my hands on this set of recordings. 2 CD’s packed with relatively newly recorded & mastered instrumentals, fantastic packaging and wonderful artwork; surely this has to be a no brainer for anyone who’s interested in the man and his amazing sonic adventures. It’s like waiting for Live! In the Air Age to hit the shelves of my local Virgin Records or HMV store back in ’77. But I can’t wait, I want it, no, more than ever - I need it NOW (or more politely, as soon as you can, please Bill?)!!

It’s just occurred to me that it’s just over 40 years since the Red Noise album was released around the end of February 1979. The band was also ‘on the road’ in the UK at this point in time 40 years ago and I had the honour of meeting Bill for the first time after their gig in Southampton. In some ways it seems like only yesterday but then 40 years is a heck of a long time ago and so much water under the bridge since then. Not least, the very sad loss of Ian, who I think of often – particularly with the re-release of the Fiat Lux recordings on Cherry Red next month; he should have still been around to see how much affection that band (as well as Red Noise) are still held in, but we lost him far too early. Still, as Bill says, we must look forward to tomorrow, but at the same time let’s just take a quick opportunity to glance back at what an amazing band BN & Red Noise were and how ground breaking the Album Sound-On-Sound was.