just this evening heard the news of the death of Derek Brimstone.

he was my mentor, my greatest influence as a performer as a folksinger.

for years he made folk music accessible to people who wouldn't have believed they had been enjoying folk music. i knew his work for about five years before i understood the greatness of this achievement. i am actually sorry for the folksingers who never grasped this essential truth. when po-faced appreciation starts - real folk music stops.

i am still stunned. i knew he was old of course. i would never have believed he would die with me owing him a couple of calls.

i will strive in future to avoid stale unprofitable squabbles, and concentrate on what is positive and good in human relationships.

i was blessed in knowing a creative giant.