You might as well ask why Coope Boyes and Simpson hear Nic Jones and try to reproduce the chords. It's because they both have the musical skill to affect their audiences emotionally.

Coope Boyes and Simpson got their tour off to a great start at Bury last night. The Cool of the Day was a striking introduction to a set-list covering their whole history. Some seldom-heard gems were dusted off and sparkled in the spotlight.

Their First World War songs featured, of course, and these are assuming greater significance as the centenary of the 1914-18 war approaches.