Dick Gaughan Concert, 26 November

Dick Gaughan was on magnificent form last night. One of the world's great singer-songwriters and guitarists, his passionate interpretations of a variety of powerful songs and lyrics gripped the audience, whatever the political persuasions of those who'd come to hear him.

We were lucky to see him in the intimate setting of a small Arts Centre. He could control a large stadium, not that he would want to.

I first discovered his music (the LP No More Forever) in the 1970s, in the Record Library of the Voice of Kenya, Nairobi. The next time was in Czechoslovakia, where I bought an imported East German LP (apparently some songs were considered  by the authorities "too political" to be included).

I particularly like the quality of his voice, his guitar style and his interpretations of Scottish ballads.

I had the chance to talk to him about his popularity in (former) Eastern Europe and the political situation before 1989, about his guitar tunings (DADGAD on acoustic), his influences (Doc Watson and Davy Graham in terms of guitar) and about travelling people (one of his grandmothers was a traveller).

An unforgettable concert. He makes people think about how they've spent their lives; about failed expectations. He's committed to his beliefs, and he's uncompromising. It can be uncomfortable. He remains a rebel who hasn't "sold out".

Explore his songs on YouTube:

"What you do with what you've got"

"Now Westlin' Winds"

"Bonnie Jeannie o' Bethelnie"

"Song for Ireland"

John Peel described him as "one of the five or six great voices of our time". He's up there with Dylan, but he's stayed closer to the Scottish, and Irish traveller, musical and protest traditions. Dick Gaughan's website.