In January, we told you about Gonzo Multimedia releasing three rare albums by the late sax legend Gary Windo, one of which features Robert Wyatt and Pink Floyd's Nick Mason. Windo was a highly original musician with an instantly recognizable style, and was involved in the Seventies with many icons of the British jazz and rock genres, including the Canterbury scene, but who sadly passed away in 1992.

In November of 1975, Windo formed Gary Windo & Friends for a one-off gig at Maidstone College of Art, with his wife Pam Windo on piano, guitarist Richard Brunton, and the rhythm section of Bill MacCormick, Nick Mason, and Laurie Allan. This group was the precursor to Windo's next album, which until this year had never been released. In 1976, Nick offered Windo time in Pink Floyd's brand new Britannia Row studio, which would give Windo the opportunity to make this album, and Pink Floyd the chance to test the new systems. Nick both produced and played drums, and with his typical sense of humour, Windo would call the album Steam Radio Tapes.

You can order this album through these links: Amazon UK, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon France, Amazon Germany, Amazon Espana and Amazon Italy.

We've since heard from his wife Pam. Last year, she wrote a portrait of her husband Gary, and added it to her website. A publisher picked up on it, and asked her to write a longer, more detailed version. This has now just been published - this week - as a paperback. 'Him Through Me: Making Love and Music in the Sixties and Seventies' is the story of a young couple's journey through the revolutionary music world of the Sixties and Seventies, and includes an introduction by Nick Mason, who is also featured throughout the book. She takes us back to the years of music she shared with him, reliving the successes and fiascos, the trials of being an artist and mother, the exhilaration of the Hippie and Women's Lib movements, and the challenges of an open marriage.

In part of Nick's introduction, he notes with customary wit that he "had no idea that beneath that nice Mrs Windo who lived down the road dwelt the kind of wild woman we had been constantly warned about (and were constantly looking for)." Fellow musician Robert Wyatt called the book "terrific stuff, a real record of the times...".

You can order the book now from: Amazon UK, Amazon.com, Amazon France, Amazon Germany, Amazon Espana and Amazon Italy.

In today's Guardian newspaper in the UK, a group of twelve prominent musicians - Billy Bragg, Johnny Marr, Speech Debelle, David Gilmour, Richard Hawley, Scroobius Pip, Guy Garvey, Ed O'Brien, Philip Selway, Seasick Steve, The Farm, and Sam Duckworth - are protesting the latest move by Justice Minister Chris Grayling.

Grayling recently came under fire for banning prisoners from receiving books in jail, and has now turned his attention to the use of steel-strung guitars. The letter notes how this will have a real impact on the rehabilitation process of prisoners - and notes that it could be at the root of a worrying rise in self-inflicted deaths inside prisons.

The issue was due to be raised today (Tuesday) in the UK parliament by Labour MP Kevin Brennan, who said he found the ban baffling and wanted to "try to find some answers".

Billy Bragg is one of the people behind Jail Guitar Doors, an independent initiative which aims to provide instruments to those who are using music as a means of achieving rehabilitation in prison. To date, they have donated instruments to more than 20 prisons.

Our friend Alberto Durgante, from the dual Italian/English language Floyd fanzine Heyou, is collaborating on a new book - and is seeking the help of Brain Damage readers.

Back on July 15th, 1989, Pink Floyd held a special concert in the lagoon at Venice. Televised across the world, it featured an abridged set, performed on a floating stage. The whole event was, to use an understatement, interesting, with many stories flying around about the conditions in Venice with thousands upon thousands of fans packed in like sardines, rumours of the ancient buildings suffering, gondoliers protesting, and much more.

As Floyd concerts go, it proved one of the more unusual ones, not least for the audience on that long, long day. Alberto is hoping that any of you who were there, either before, during, or immediately after the show, could help them out - he's after "written memories about that old crazy day that was July 15, 1989. If you were there tell us all the funny and crazy things that you have done and seen that day and, if possible, ask your friends to do the same! Please send all to my usual address, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The renowned Foote's Music Store in London - specialists in all things drum related - is having another of their special days, celebrating the instruments with the aid of various luminaries of the discipline.

Taking place this Saturday, April 26th, from 12pm for a day of all British drums and percussion, you can meet the players and manufacturers behind the brands that define British drumming: Carrera Drums, Matt Nolan Cymbals, Bill Sanders Practice Pads, Noonan Drums, Cymbal Magic and Drumsense.

They've lined up a number of special guests to do this, including Bob Henrit (signing his book 'Banging On'), Dougal Butler (signing his book 'The Full Moon'), Colin Woolway from Drumsense, Morgan Simpson ('Young Drummer Of The Year' winner 2014), and our very own Nick Mason.

So, if you've always wanted to meet Nick, this could be your opportunity... Our thanks to Bob Follen for letting us know about this.