Tributes paid to folk musician Paul Sartin who died before Oxford gig

The artist, a founder member of Oxford-formed supergroup Bellowhead, is thought to have died after a heart attack. He was 51.

Mr Sartin, who had strong links with Oxford, had many fans through his high-energy folk acts Faustus and Belshazzar’s Feast, and also played with fellow Bellowhead member Jon Boden’s Remnant Kings.

The multi-instrumentalist – best known for his oboe, fiddle, vocals and humorous song introductions – studied music at Magdalen College, Oxford, on a choral scholarship and appearing in the CS Lewis biopic Shadowlands.

He balanced that with classical oboe, close-harmony singing with the ensemble Men Only, and folk sessions at the Bullingdon and Elm Tree, in Cowley Road.

After picking up his degree he signed up as a lay clerk at Christ Church Cathedral, staying for five years. His singing took him to Lebanon, Brazil and Japan, and saw him record with the composer Howard Goodall on the themes music for Mr Bean and The Vicar of Dibley.

Paul Sartin, left, and Paul Hutchinson of duo Belshazzar's Feast

He also performed in South Oxford musician Tim Healey’s old-music group Magpie Lane, recorded an album of Dickensian music and sung with acapella quartet Mouth and Trousers.

He starred in award-winning folk-rock band Bellowhead from their very first gig to their final show at Oxford Town Hall. He also contributed to the world of rock, working with Oxford musician Loz Colbert of Ride and with rockers Enter Shikari.

A former vocal tutor at St Edwards School in Woodstock, he later became deputy lay clerk in Winchester Cathedral choir.

He died on September 14.

He had been due to play Nettlebed Folk Club this coming Monday with Faustus. The show will continue with Mr Sartin’s youngest son, Joe, 19, joining bandmates Benji Kirkpatrick and Saul Rose on stage.

His Belshazzar’s Feast bandmate Paul Hutchinson said: “I am immensely saddened and shocked by the death of my partner in crime. For 27 years Belshazzar’s Feast travelled the world entertaining audiences at festivals, clubs and arts centres and we loved our job because we met such wonderful people, many of whom became friends. This year was to be our last and I could not have imagined it would end so tragically.

Belshazzar's Feast with Paul Sartin, right

“Just to set the record straight, not all the touring was fun. We spent hours sitting in motorway queues, green rooms and garden centre cafes, but our shared humour got us through.”

He is survived by his children James, Will and Joe Sartin and his mother.

In a joint statement, the family said: “It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our beloved Paul, who left us unexpectedly. We know that he was someone who brought wonderful music into your lives, and that so many of you counted him as a close and dear friend.

“We have lost a son and a father, and while we ask now that we are allowed to mourn Paul in private, we understand that many of you will have lovely memories that you would like to share.”

They added: “We know that many people are concerned about how Paul passed away, and that there has been a lot of speculation and rumour. Although we will not receive the results of the autopsy for a little while, we can confirm that he collapsed suddenly on the evening of September 14, shortly before taking the stage at an event in Oxford. He was with his dear friend and bandmate, Saul Rose.”

Paul Sartin, left, and Paul Hutchinson in folk duo Belshazzar's Feast

They invited wellwishers to leave comments on the social media sites of his agent, Good Honest Music.

Mr Sartin was a regular visitor to Nettlebed Folk Club. His Christmas concerts with Belshazzar’s Feast – who had been nominated for best duo at the BBC Folk Awards – were a popular festive favourite.

Like Bellowhead, Belshazzar’s Feast has its roots in Oxfordshire, inspiration for the band coming from a session onboard a trailer in Cumnor, owned by Oxford sound engineer and former owner of the Zodiac club (now the O2 Academy) Nick Moorbath.

Talking to The Oxford Times in 2015, Mr Sartin said of the duo: “We do songs that make people laugh and make people cry. We are in the tradition of the old troubadours, who would go around entertaining people – but also making them sob.

“The band’s name refers to a piece of music by Walton, but we just wanted something that sounded Biblical. It’s very colourful, sums up the idea of hedonism, and, because people have trouble pronouncing it, it makes it easier to remember!”

Announcing this Monday’s show, Nettlebed show, Faustus said: “On Monday, Paul’s Faustus bandmates Benji and Saul will still be performing. After much thought, Joe Sartin, Paul’s youngest son, will be joining Benji and Saul, for this concert only, as a support act and then Joe will join them in a couple of songs at the end.

“Joe is a superb singer and guitarist and a competent performer. He has performed with Paul and Faustus, his own bands, and in many folk situations over the years. He wishes to do this to honour his father, and we’re sure he will have plenty of support from family and friends.”

• Benji Kirkpatrick and Saul Rose with support from Joe Sartin play Nettlebed Folk Club on Monday
• For tickets, call 01628 636620 between 10am and 8pm. Visit nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk for further information.