We've just heard about Bert Jansch's death from cancer at the age of 67. This is personally extremely sad news as I've idolised him since his first album and seen him play many times. His guitar playing set the standard for a generation of musicians, and his original compositions and adaptations of traditional ballads, his brilliant solo spots, his playing alongside John Renbourn, his setting up of Pentangle and his genuine and caring nature marked him out as one of the leading figures of the 1960s Folk Revival. He remained a hero to many later and younger guitarists and singers until this, his untimely death, and his musical legacy will be a lasting one. Davy Graham, John Martyn and now Bert. I have Strollin' Down The Highway playing in the background as I write this, and it's a sad day today.

Our next issue of N16 Magazine (off to printer tomorrow and published next week) carries a piece by me on the origins of the 190s Folk Revival with, ironically, a pic of Bert as an illustration.

I only wish he was still with us, his dancing fingers and unique vocal delivery continuing to entrance even the hardest of hearts. Bye, Bert, deeply sorry to hear of your passing{jcomments on}.

By Rab MacWilliam