AS a long time admirer of such enduring '60s legends as Joan Baez, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, American singer/songwriter Josh Ritter was somewhat bowled over when he had a surprise call from the legendary Baez herself. "She had heard some mini-disc stuff I'd done for the new album, Hello Starling," Josh recalls. "I'd recorded them especially for the band to hear, but my manager sent a copy to her without telling me, and she just called me up while I was out in Idaho with my folks. "It came as a complete double whammy as she also asked me to support her on tour. "I'd never even met her! It was an incredible moment --she didn't have to ask twice." So Josh headed out on tour with the folk doyen, taking in such prestigious venues as Birmingham's Symphony Hall, where he heard her perform several of his tunes every night. "She has just so much history of helping songwriters along, I really respect her. "Everything is good for me now, it's clear sailing, but what happens when things get rough? How do you keep the writing going? She has offered me advice, but more often it's through example." Life is indeed plain sailing for Josh right now. His second UK album, Hello Starling, is gaining great reviews, while in Ireland he scooped the 2004 Hot Press International Male award, beating none other than global superstar and pin-up Justin Timberlake. Josh laughs: "I imagine he was too busy counting piles of dough to worry about that! But that stuff is great, Ireland was the first place that really started listening to my music and I have so many great friends out there now." Name checking such contemporary songwriters as Gillian Welch and Neil Halstead, Josh has a busy year ahead of him, including The Cambridge Folk Festival, V Festivals and another tour with Joan Baez, along with his own solo dates, which include Birmingham's Glee Club on Tuesday. "I've only been playing professionally for two years but I've done over 100 shows this year already - but that's what makes it work. "It's hard, but doesn't mean it isn't fun!" | 
