In Search of Nic Jones is for many the highlight of Sidmouth Folk Week

For many though, the highlight of the festival, if not the year, if not the decade, is the Tribute In Search of Nic Jones, which takes place in the Ham Marquee on Thursday afternoon. A veritable fantasy league of talent has been assembled by James Fagan, and it's a fine tribute to the influence Nic has had on the folk movement for the best part of four decades. The presence of Nic himself adds poignancy He has not appeared on stage since his career was curtailed by a serious road accident in 1982, and there are mixed feelings as the ensemble takes to the stage. We are thrilled to the core to be in the presence of Nic and the plethora of talent that has gathered to pay tribute to him. But some, particularly those that either knew or got to see Nic in the early years, are saddened that his career was so tragically cut short. In the end, we take our cue from Nic himself, whose infectious smile banishes any feelings of sadness. The overall mood is one of celebration, of his contribution, his influence and of course, his return. Its a two hour concert, during which the assembled acts each take a turn to sing their favourite Nic Jones song. When all have performed we go round again for a second go.

Aptly, Nancy Kerr & James Fagan start us off with a version of 'Farewell to the Gold' that gets everyone in the marquee singing along, possibly joined by a few of the people who couldn't get in and are now desperately straining for a look through the windows. Next up is 'Annarchie Gordon' sweetly sung by Jackie Oates, accompanied by an understated Belinda O'Hooley on piano. A fine contrast is the next offering by Faustus. 'Master Kilby' is sung by Pete Flood. His restrained, almost conversational voice makes for refreshing listening and the soaring oboe of Paul Sartin compliments him perfectly. Nic seems to be enjoying himself, eyes closed, head swaying and singing along to Sam Carter's 'Barrack Street'. It's during this song that the organisers let of few more of the queueing public into the venue, and many young folks come in and sit on the grass at the front of the tent.

It's again testament to the scope of Nic s influence over successive generations. Next comes Jim Moray singing 'Clyde Water', followed by Saul Rose, and Ruth Notman who perform a classy 'Billy Don't Weep For Me' bravely giving it a completely new spin and drawing in the audience palpably. Martin Simpson raises the mood further with a flawless 'Little Musgrave'. His introduction cannot be repeated here but will be fondly remembered by all.

Chris Wood follows with his version of the Tucker Zimmerman song, the 'Taoist Tale'. It's a very tender song, particularly with the audience singing quietly along, contented. Jon Boden follows with a song about Napoleon that contains 'an unfeasible number of words.' He remembers them all and the audience loves him for it. He is followed by Paul Sartin, Pete Coe, Chris Coe and, cameras raised, Nic Jones. 'You'll get some real rubbish now.' He tells us. We don't believe him. A couple of Bandoggs numbers follow, 'Adam was a Preacher' and 'The Tailor and the Tea Chest'. Nic chips in merrily with some harmonies, and seems to be having a whale of a time.



The whole ensemble follow with Louden Wainwright's 'Swimming Song', then it's time for the second round. Nancy Kerr and James Fagan begin with a singalong version of 'Miles Weatherhill'. Lester Simpson follows with 'Fare You Well My Own True Love'. Next its the turn of Jackie Oates and Belinda O'Hooley with a tender version of 'Bonnie Banks of Fordie'. The audience again join in, perhaps encouraged by Belinda's comic introduction. They are followed by the wall of harmony that is Faustus and their version of 'Ballina Whalers'. Sam Carter is next with 'Ruins by the Shore' and then it's time for Jim Moray, who has the arguably the hardest job of the afternoon. 'Canadee I-O' is possibly one of Nic's best known tunes and certainly has one of the most iconic, not to mention fiddly guitar intros known to man. He gets through it to rapturous applause and palpable affection from the audience. There's time for one more number from Martin Simpson before a big singalong finale involves everyone.

Its notable that during 'Little Pot Stove' everyone huddles on stage and a immense feeling of warmth fills the room. 'Ploughman Lads' rounds things off and the audience is immediately on its feet at the end. The encore, 'Dark the Night' features Jim Moray on guitar and Saul Rose on Melodeon. It earns another ovation. Nic is happy to remain behind at the end to sign CDs and the length of the queue that forms at his desk is a final and well deserved tribute to him.

The theme of collaboration and teamwork continues into the evening concert, during which the 'follow this' award definitely goes to Andy Cutting who, with his numerous talented friends, succeeds in maintaining the musical momentum established earlier in the day. He begins on his own, playing a couple of tunes and quickly establishing the easy and intimate rapport with the audience that characterises his performances. Next follows Chris Wood on violin for another selection of tunes. Chris leaves to warm applause and is replaced by John McCusker and Ian Carr who take us up to the interval.

June Tabor, and Mark Emerson accompany Andy after the break. June's story telling skills set the scene perfectly for the songs that follow and add poignancy and meaning. We are also treated to a couple of dance tunes 'The Shaking of the Sheets' and 'The Night Piece' which contain all the darkness and drama we've come to expect from June. The word 'genius' is used several times this evening in relation to Andy. His genius seems to lie in being able to react to those he is working with at any given time, and to always add something positive and polished to the final result.

This is evident in the next collaboration, with Julie Murphy and Ceri Rhys Matthews which offers stirring songs in Welsh, in French and in Breton. Blowzabella are next, then Andy's final friend is Martin Simpson. There is genuine feeling of affection discernible between them. Martin performs 'Lakes of Champlain' before being joined by June Tabor for the grandest of finales. At one point Andy leaves the stage leaving Martin and June to perform together. Andy performs his encore solo and the audience leave knowing they have witnessed a rare treat.

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