A while ago I came across pages of tributes to Bryan and wished to add my own. It is extraordinary that this man meant so much to so many. He oozed this loving vibe that distance and time did not fade and he stayed connected on a personal level. His presence at the New Troubadours Club in the late 80s and early 90s kept my purist brand of unplugged acoustic singer-songwriter promotion in the Manchester music scene loop, drew distinguished artists to the club such as Johnny Bramwell and David Gray, and invited the respect and appreciation that Bryan wanted for all his diversely creative friends and live music projects.
I adored his lyricism and good humour. Bryan's songs were unusually intelligent and distinctively 'northern'. He also coaxed songs and improvisations out of me like nobody else could and inspired some of my best performances. When I moved to Brighton it seemed inevitable that my connection to Manchester would wane and I suppose it did, but not as far as Bryan was concerned. He was always there at the gates of the city to welcome me when I returned. He remained my main point of contact in Manchester up until the year of his tragic death. Any fool could see that he lived his life to the full and on the edge. I certainly couldn't take the pace of the night life! We would meet up for a coffee and a bite to eat, then a drink... and then I would quit - not Bryan!
I would just describe him as an unusually loving person with a zest for life that was perhaps too great for any mortal frame to withstand. I wish Bryan could have enjoyed full health and stayed around to receive the appreciation and acknowledgement he deserved. Anyway, I'm an optimist and think somehow that he's getting the message; all the love he ignited in all of us... Thanks Bryan. I do believe he's listening...
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