Among the early champions of Essex-born Softley’s career was Donovan, who covered “Gold Watch Blues” and “The War Drags On” (the original’s on here) and showcased more at Newport in 1965. One of Blighty’s first Dylanologists, Softley’s debut is a folk-strummer’s delight, his lightness and warmth of touch?both acoustically and vocally?semi-disguising a causticity best heard on Pete Seeger’s “The Bells Of Rhymney”. A boho spirit of singular style, Softley now lives in Enniskillen, forsaking music for life as a poet. A genuine buried treasure.
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