This remarkable concert opened with an attractive, folksy rendition of Robert Johnson’s (c. 1583-1636) As I walked forth beautifully sung by Leisa Rea.

The performance of the lyrically rich The Noble Man was infectious, drawing the listener into a sumptuous comfort zone.

This was followed by a duet between George Hinchcliffe and Clara Sanabras, Carmen’s Whistle, which sounded so contemporary it could have been Lindisfarne! And then we had a musical metamorphosis in the funky Latin anthem La Bamba. Something odd here.

Matters seemed to get back on track with an elegant performance of Johnson’s Pavan when we were transported into the Blues with a super duet by Mr Hinchcliffe and Ms Sanabras.

The first half ended with a sensational, committed version of Robert Johnson’s (1911-38) classic Cross Road Blues with the lutes ‘n’ ukes delivering a physical, percussive support.

This was beginning to feel like the concert had been programmed by the author Peter Ackroyd.

After an intimate, yet passionate rendition of (our original Mr) Johnson’s Woods, Rocks and Mountains came a creative, engaging performance of Full Fathom Five.

We were then introduced to yet another Robert Johnson (c.1500-c.1560) in the form of his A Knell, which somehow transformed into Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven. Back came Lindisfarne in the form of a deliciously outrageous Watkins Ale – an excellent duet by Mr Hinchcliffe and Ms Sanabras.

The concert closed with Johnson’s (1911-38) red Hot Tamales, a great tribute to a truly great Blues legend. The YEMF will never be the same again.