I listened to the recent Mastertapes BBC radio programme on Richard Thompson (the "A" side) in which he talked about his work and music. He was asked how he felt about doing requests, and he said it wasn't always possible because if it wasn't one of his best-known songs, he might not remember all the words when put on the spot. When you have a lot of songs, he said, you cam't retain them all, you have to go back and revise the ones you're planning to do.

So it was reassuring to hear than even successful professional performers have to keep working at their repertoire just like the rest of us.

Marje