farewell Ben and family!

Sunday 21st July 2019
secret woodland location near Canterbury

This afternoon gig was put together to commemorate Ben Insall and family moving up to Melrose in Scotland (he's going to be doing a Masters degree in music therapy up there). Ben's been part of Arlet and the local folk scene for the last decade or so, so there was a big turn out. Lots of families, kids, old friend, really lovely vibes throughtout. We got a solo set from Ben (daughter Hazel joined him for one song, partner Rosie for another), followed by an Arlet trio set (Ben, Aidan and Rosie) which was just exquisite. A butterfly (Polygonia c-album) spent most of the latter half of that set orbiting Ben, landing at various points on his head and guitar, eventually settling on the tip of a goose feather he'd spontaneously stuck in the headstock of his guitar, and staying there throughout most of their last piece (the three of them had their eyes closed, deep in the music, and were entirely unaware). Andy Renshaw (bhodran) and Chris Sadler (concertina) joined them for a few at the end, and then a full on folk session unfolded, with Aidan's partner Domi also on fiddle. A great selection of tunes, played with a grace and refinement uncharacteristic of most folk sessions. Pure musical bliss. Thanks to everyone involved, and all best wishes to Ben and family in their new chapter north of the border!

I was operating on three hours sleep during this event, as I'd been DJing at a wedding in Brighton (Vicky's daughter Claudia) the night before, til 2am. Great fun. Claudia also asked me to play at the actual ceremony in Brighton Town Hall, a mix of English folk tunes and some of my own. It went well.