‘He was a flawless guitar player with nothing to prove to anyone’

LEADING figures from Scotland’s folk scene have joined iconic guitarists from the world of rock music in paying tribute to Bert Jansch.

Close friend Dick Gaughan said the guitarist’s eloquent playing style consisted of a “unique blend of blues, jazz and baroque influences,” adding: “Although he spent most of his adult life outside his native Scotland, he had a deep abiding love of traditional music which I can hear beneath everything he ever played.”

Singer Eddie Reader, meanwhile, posted a simple message on Twitter to remember the icon. It stated: “God speed, darlin’ Bert – get us on the guest list.”

The influence of Jansch on rock and pop musicians was also evident. Johnny Marr, acclaimed guitarist with The Smiths who collaborated with the Scot, said: “Playing with Bert was like a long walk through the woods – mysterious, ancient, and natural. Leaves would fall but the sun could come out, too.”

Graham Coxon, the former Blur guitarist, said: “Bert Jansch was a flawless guitar player – a ‘what you see is what you get’, no-frills, staunch fellow with nothing to prove to anyone. He was top of the pile.”

MARTYN McLAUGHLIN