Thank you, Dave, for beating me to it. I first met Ted in the folk clubs of Coventry and Kenilworth in the early 70s when I was at Warwick University - and then he married my best friend from school, Sue. The two of them have remained my rock solid friends over the years, picking me up when I needed it, and then presented me with my godson, Matt, who has inherited musical talent from both parents and has played on most of my albums. We were due to spend an evening with Sue and Ted over the weekend of 22nd March, together with my brother and sister-in-law. My brother's health meant that we decided it was best to cancel the plan just in case (and of course the lockdown has followed). I've since learnt from Sue that Ted (and she) would have been carrying the virus at that point.
I am saddened beyond measure at Ted's death, and desperately sad too for Sue who has been ill with the virus and has of course been unable to visit Ted or spend time with her sons, Matt and Joe.
I'm told by Sue and Matt that there will be a great celebration of Ted's life once the lockdown is over. That great session party in the sky just got a lot jazzier and funkier as Ted takes out his harmonica to play.