I first came across John Kelly when Llantrisant Folk Club booked the Liverpool celtic band Il Danach for the Llantrisant Town Festival. John was a member, and so was Shay Black, brother of the gorgeous Irish singer Mary Black. Needless to say, Il Danach were superb.

Much later, John performed a short spot at our club, and really made a long-lasting impression on me. He stayed the night at my house, which was just as well. I had locked myself out - but John climbed up to his upstairs bedroom widow, which he had conveniently left open, and let me in again!

I must apply some friendly pressure to get John booked as a featured artist down here again, firstly because of his assured performance, secondly for his brilliant knowledge and thirdly for his deep respect concerning the folk tradition.

Mick Tems