Shock at the death of Bellowhead's Paul Sartin

It is with great sadness that the artsdesk received news of the unexpected death of folk musician Paul Sartin, aged 51, on Wednesday evening.

'Oboist, singer, traditional violinist, competent pianist and swanee whistle virtuoso', Paul Sartin was a prolific and highly-regarded performer, composer, arranger and teacher. He was a founding member of the award-winning ensembles Belshazzar’s Feast, Faustus and Bellowhead and toured with Jon Boden as a member of The Remnant Kings.

Paul, from Whitchurch, played several gigs in the area, including Arlington Arts with Belshazzar's Feast last year, and was due to give a Suppertalk to the Watermill next month, before embarking on a one-off Bellowhead Broadside 10th anniversary tour in November.

Good, Honest Music, his booking agency, posted the following statement from his family on social media yesterday: “It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our beloved Paul, who left us unexpectedly yesterday evening. We know that he was someone who brought wonderful music into your lives, and that so many of you counted him as a close and dear friend. We have lost a son and a father, and while we ask now that we are allowed to mourn Paul in private, we understand that many of you will have lovely memories that you would like to share. We invite you to do this in the comments beneath this post so that we can read them when we feel ready.”

@newburytoday interviewed Paul in lockdown

https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/paul-sartin-on-gardening-leave-9188042/

Newbury Weekly News sends condolences to Angela, James, Will and Joe Sartin.