To my mind Martin Carthy is a genius, and a genuinely nice guy to boot. There aren't many who fit both criteria.

The first time that I saw Martin perform was about 15 years ago.

I walked out halfway through, and thought he was dreadful.

I was wrong. Of course, he's not for everyone, but he's a taste well worth aquiring.

I remember asking him a few years back about an obsure English singer (Walter Pardon). He gave me good advice as to how to find the recordings, but finished by giving me his home address, and urging me to get in contact if I had no luck.

Enough said, I think.

Ed

McGrath,

Music Exchange, St Peter's Sq, Manchester still have the book.

Ed