A true original! My first awareness of John was from the printing of 'Pittenweem Jo' in '101 Scottish Songs', and I've used his 'Keltie Clippie' more recently in workshops and in classes with traditional music students -- and every time the response has been unalloyed delight! I saw him last at the latest Collessie Song Weekend and he was in superb form, running rings round his interviewer and the audience, to everyone's great entertainment. A lovely, talented man with a real understanding of people and their motivations -- he will be much missed.
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