Nic Jones collects his English Folk Dance and Song Society gold badge from Shirley Collins. Sorry terrible pic, but a very moving evening. Can't believe I saw Nic Jones sing a whole set of songs in the flesh.
Nic Jones was a stunningly talented singer of traditional songs and guitarist and a seminal influence for other singers and guitarists, but in 1982 he was in a horrific car crash which smashed him up so completely he was in hospital for 6 months, every bone in his body broken apparently. Up until very recently he'd totally given up performing quite understandably. But very gradually, with the support of the folk community that have staged tribute concerts where he started out guesting in a small way, he's started to sing more again with his son on guitar and Belinda O'Hooley on piano - and amazingly even with his frailty and obvious issues with memory and mobility - that enchanting golden voice is still recognisable after all the years and trauma.
