Al was often to be found behind the bar at the Cousins all-niters, serving coffee and taking the piss in the 60s. Last time I saw him live was opening for the Incredible String Band at the old Free Trades Hall in Manchester around '66 or '67. He opened up with a great fingerstyle version of "Lullaby of Birdland".

His later albums I found rather bland - it'll be interesting to check out this latest one.