What a shock. I was used to Malcolm's frequent rescue of questions no one else could answer, and often benefited from his encyclopedic knowledge.

His vast well of folksong information, as far as I know, was close to endless. He was very nearly as much a master of numerous ins and outs of American folksong as he was of his native British.

He did not suffer fools gladly, and was not afraid to be blunt. I knew if I got a point wrong on a thread, he would sternly set me straight. He expected us to be knowledgeable, even when we weren't, and lost no time in giving us a brusque comeuppance. (Hope nothing inaccurate crept into this one, Malcolm!)

But how we benefited,and how much he gave us! His tart presence was one of the major factors that made Mudcat what it is.

There can be no replacement. Malcolm was unique. This loss is huge for all of us, and I will sorely miss him.

Bob