I thought I ought to mention that the splendid Steve Ashley is doing quite a few UK gigs at the moment - see his website
http://www.steveashley.co.uk

Caught up with him at Farnsfield Acoustic last Saturday - this particular gig was with Dik Cadbury on guitar.

They were both absolutely excellent - Steve's thoughtful and deceptively subtle songs complemented by Dik's superb guitar. Most of the songs in the first half were from Steve's new album "Time and Tide" and as ever seem simple on the surface but repay careful further listening (yes folks, I did buy the CD!). In the second half, Steve and Dik performed rather more familiar songs like "Fire and Wine", "Candlemas Carol" and "Rough with the Smooth".

The first time I saw Steve in the scruffy back room of a King's Cross pub in 1973, it was obvious that he was an extremely talented songwriter and performer. I would now go further and claim that he's up there with Richard Thompson and Ray Davies - so don't miss him if you get the chance! And no, I don't have any shares in him.