Baez in Béziers

On one of the many, many trips to Béziers for Henny's dislocated shoulder physio, I spied a little advert: Joan Baez at the Salle Zinga Zanga. I ordered two tickets. What the heck. I'd last seen her in Toronto with Bob Dylan in 1975. Though never my favourite artist, she was certainly part of my formative folkie years. And besides, how often does a legend hit Béziers? I'd tried to see her in London. Sold out in seconds. When she played in Montpellier two years ago, our plans got scuppered at the last minute. So October 6th was finally the night.

Fifth row seats, how fantastic! Joan sauntered on stage, no introduction. Gave a little bow. Picked up a guitar and off she went. In younger years, her voice was almost too much, too clear, sometimes even piercing. At age 70, her gift has diminished somewhat on the top notes, but it's no bad thing. Her voice has mellowed yet the clarity of her diction remains unparalleled. She's a generous performer who'd soon won over the entire house. We all sang along to the refrains of Dona Dona in our best voices, just like Joan, out of sheer respect.

Two years ago in Montpellier, Baez was the closing act for the Festival of the Guitar. Her free outdoor concert drew 19,000 people. There, it was Marianne Aya Omac who opened for her. They've since become friends and collaborated on a duet for Marianne's new album. In Béziers, Baez invited her on stage to do a couple of numbers together, which brought the house down. In support was Baez's formidable 'band' of one, Dirk Powell, who played every stringed instrument from banjo to mandolin to fiddle and keyboards.

But often it was just Baez and her guitar. She was mesmerising. And she doesn't seem to stop touring. If she comes your way, don't miss her.