Not Just a Silly Hat, is a spin-off album that includes many songs written about at some length in my book,  The Key to a Happy Life. The title comes from the song about Richard Thompson, which is an affectionate piss-take. All the songs are inspired by great song writers, including Woody Guthrie (the archetypal singer-songwriter), Lead Belly (a powerful performer who was much copied), Bobby Darin (mostly a crooner but also a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter), Bob Dylan (probably the most successful songwriter ever), The Rolling Stones (probably the best rock band ever), John Newton (who wrote Amazing Grace), Lonnie Donegan (who mainly popularised American blues numbers) and Davey Graham (best known as a guitarist).

All these artists, and many more, have been great influences on me and many other singer-songwriters. This CD is my tribute to them (original songs – not covers). It was very ably recorded in Neil Tinning’s studio at Seaton Sluice, North Tyneside.