Ardent fans and the simply curious alike packed the Latest Music Bar’s basement to hear Marcus O’Dair talk warmly on Marxist musical polymath Robert Wyatt, and share the experience of writing a book about him.

Different Every Time (BBC Radio 4’s Book Of The Week in early January) charts the story of Wyatt from precocious decision-maker to a musician whose breadth of output “spanned unusual cultural co-ordinates” - thus taking O’Dair five years to complete.

At least, that formed part of the reason: O’Dair wears many hats as a writer, lecturer, musician and broadcaster.

Wyatt formed psychedelic soul group Soft Machine in 1966, which quickly became a valuable addition to the era’s counterculture.

An accident in his 20s confined him to a wheelchair, and with indomitable wife Alfie acting as manager, he continued to produce extraordinary music at speed.

With a colourful roster of household names attached to their inner-circle, thanks to Wyatt’s continuing talent, humility and hipness, Different Every Time will appeal to almost anybody with an interest in music history.

Interspersed with song and film-clips, O’Dair spoke fluidly and humorously without proselytising - the curious amongst us doubtlessly left as fans.