Testimonials

"Jake Thackray's songs are funny, poignant, witty, tricky, romantic and wise. They are also very hard to perform and that is one of the reasons we don't hear them so much. John Watterson has made a proper tribute to this unique British song writer. Not only has he taken great care to replicate Jakes phrasing and emphasis but he has managed to play guitar in Jake's style too. John is now bringing this wonderful work to a new public who will no doubt love them as much as Jake's old fans. It is marvellous that Jake Thackray's treasured songs ride again. They are in safe hands."

Ralph McTell

"'Fake Thackray' is so good that when I heard his CD.I was convinced it was Jakes album. Fake Thackray is a must see act so check him out."

Dave Pegg, Fairport Convention

"Nobody wrote songs like Jake wrote songs - hilarious, poignant, complex, simple, sometimes all of those things at once; And John's brought them all back to life. If you've not heard Jake, if you've not heard John, it's time you did."

Les Barker, Poet

"Latitude is one of the largest spoken word events in Europe and I wanted the great work of JT to be showcased at our festival. I couldn't have hoped for a better tribute ,... if you shut your eyes you could imagine you were listening to the real thing.... went down very well despite being up against a headline band on the main stage ... very professional and pleasant to work with. Heartily recommended!"

Luke Wright, Poet and festival organiser, Latitude Festival

"Fake Thackray is ironically the real deal. He had the audience amused throughout the set with both the old favourites and the lesser known serious aspects of JT's work. Very funny indeed !!!"

Anthony John Clarke (singer/songwriter)

"A perfect match of performer and song...the great Jake's timeless legacy lives on."

Harvey Andrews

"We've put on six sell-out 'Fake Thackray' evenings in three years at our local church hall and have been delighted with the results. Jake's songs are so entertaining and John's interpretation of them has been complimented by all and is highly recommended!"

Caroline Richardson (Candlelighters charity - Leeds)

"What can I say...you had The Candlelite rolling in the aisles. Can't wait till next time, it was brilliant...gonna tell my sister...Josephine about this !!"

Alan Murray, Candlelite Live

"...truly professional. I can strongly recommend 'Fake Thackray' to any prospective organiser, be it a folk club, festival or special event as he gives his all and is totally knowledgeable about his subject and it is very obvious that he enjoys what he does. Most people asked "when is he coming back? ...the response from the audience said it all.... will definitely book again..."

Dave Minikin (Bridge Folk Club - Newcastle)

"Thank you so much putting on such a polished and well received show last night. There was a lot of positive feedback and I am pleased that the departure from the normal post dinner dancing went so well. For me it was a delight to be back amongst old friends from Jake's fertile imagination. I have seen Jake in concert many times and if I close my eyes when John is singing I can easily believe that it is Jake himself back with us. Thank you John for keeping the wonderful songs so fresh and accessible."

Richard Abrahall (President - Ryedale Lions)

"John Watterson, the UK's foremost interpreter of Jake Thackray... held the audience captivated with his heartfelt, humorous and spirited performance. These amazing songs deserve re-living and John is the man for the job."

Dan Ashton (Ash Keys Music South West Promoters)

"...The Jake Thackray tribute night was a magnificent success, a well constructed and splendidly executed performance. Other club and festival organisers take note!"

Roland Walls (Black Swan Folk Club - York)

"...excellent after dinner entertainment. The performance was polished and professional. The renditions of Jake's songs were very authentic and comical, and the standard of the musicianship was most accomplished. We have no hesitation in recommending."

York Concert Band

"...Fake Thackray gave an impassioned, joyous and fun packed performance, and delighted our audience; much laughter, singing and enjoyment was had by all – he will be back!"

Baldock & Letchworth Folk Club

"...John Watterson as Fake Thackray was a real treat. A terrific performance peppered with humour and snippets about the great man himself."

Al Hewson, Mad Nanny Music