There are a number of people who have been invaluable in inspiring my own work and supporting my musical journey. I certainly would not have achieved a fraction of what I have done without such individuals.

Jon Gomm

Jon has been a massive inspiration and a strong supporter of my own work. As well as being an extraordinary musician, he has offered invaluable advice and is a terrific person to hang out with. He is also the best example of an artist who has carved out his own career on his own terms and remains very much in control of his musical direction and output. I hosted him to play The Old Woollen in Leeds and did a brilliant interview with him for Music for the Head and Heart here

In recent times we met up to look at my new Shimo guitar and he gave me some great advice on playing technique. Such people are rare and I’m am truly grateful to have this connection. Jon has been an invaluable sounding board for me and what I love is that he will tell me exactly what he thinks and to date he’s been 100% right in his observations and suggestions.

Martin Simpson

I’ve followed Martin’s music for many years before my wife bought me a place on one of his workshops. The three-day immersion in “Simpsonian music” was life-changing. I asked him about one-to-one lessons and who he might recommend, and he commented, “Well, I see students” I started seeing him many years ago, and it’s been a terrific journey.

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Martin Simpson is an extraordinary performer and I am delighted to have hosted him many times both as a solo artist as well as a duo with Liz Hanks and a trio with Nancy Kerr and Andy Cutting. I’ve learned a huge amount from him on so many levels and he’s always a joy to hang out with.

Jim Glennie (founder of James)

I’ve known Jim Glennie and Tim Booth from James for over 40 years. In recent years Jim has been a great support and enthusiast for my own work. I interviewed Jim previously and we have a new interview planned for a documentary.

The interview highlights the reality of being in ‘the music business'” and how much work is ‘ and the amount of work involved. I’ve followed James from the first album and when they played tiny venues like The Astoria in Leeds to 200 people. Now, of course, they are playing international stadiums. He’s a great example of an artist who works incredibly hard and is seriously talented as a musician. The world is better for such individuals.