I well remember that what hooked me into folk music in 1964 (or was it 65?) at the age of 15 or 16 was sitting a few feet away from the Watersons in a tiny folk club not far from Hull while they sang Three-score and Ten. That was a radical new sound in those days (well, it was to me) and I seem to remember many of the traddies hating it, saying that harmonies weren't authentic. At a later date, Mike was kind enough to give me the words and guide me through the singing of that song.

What Joe G says sums up the joys of folk music for me. That variety is its life-blood. What Ake said sums up why I stopped performing in folk venues and singarounds. I just couldn't be arsed with the snide comments from a bunch of barber-dodging, nasty individuals with egos as big as their bellies and minds as small as their talent.

Fortunately, there's still some great young musicians to see live, and Oysterband and The Levellers are a good as ever. Oh, and the wonderful Steve Ashley has a new album out, though sadly he says it will be his last.