“One of the virtuoso instrumentalists of the English music scene… sounds better than ever” **** The Guardian

One of England’s most revered folk performers, widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, Martin‘s interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His remarkable solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. Always prolific, and never one to rest long without a guitar in his hands and a song in his head, Martin Simpson continues to travel the length and breadth of the UK and beyond giving rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his remarkable intimate solo performances.  Martin has been nominated an astounding 32 times in the 18 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards – more than any other performer – and has won numerous awards.

Martin’s new solo album, Skydancers, will be released in April 2024 on Topic Records. The album is a twin release featuring a live CD recorded on recent gigs and a studio CD including some of Martin’s absolutely favourite musicians.

Last year’s album with Nashville’s Thomm Jutz, Nothing But Green Willow : The Songs Of Mary Sands And Jane Gentry, received superlative reviews from both sides of the Atlantic. “Drizzling with Simpson’s shining guitars”  The Guardian   “A record of rare power and significance”  9/10 Guitarist 

A virtuoso player without question, but above all Martin Simpson conveys his diverse treasure trove of material from the heart, performing with rare subtlety, intensity and honesty. A true master of his art.

Praise for Skydancers:
“an excellent record from a master of his craft” – KLOF MAG
“acoustic finger-picking magic” – UNCUT
“Penguin Eggs-good. Seriously”– **** MOJO
“It’s stunning and without doubt his finest work in almost half a century of being at the vanguard of british guitar players, songwriters, singers and true custodians of folk music”– RICHARD HAWLEY
“I do believe this set could be equal to, maybe better than, anything he’s ever done”– Ian Anderson, TRADFOLK

Praise for Martin Simpson/Thomm Jutz – Nothing But Green Willow: The Songs Of Mary Sands And Jane Gentry (2023):
“Likely to be one of the folk albums of the 2020’s.  Art with a capital A to rhapsodise about.” 5* RNR 
“Drizzling with Simpson’s shining guitars.”  The Guardian
“A genuinely stunning, life-affirming, and beautifully produced listening experience.  It’s an instant classic.”  Folkradio 
“Richly recorded and wonderfully played throughout, this is destined to be another classic and essential release from Topic.”  4* Songlines  
“Sublime British folk-songs, rescued from time in Appalachia. A record of rare power and significance.”  9/10 Guitarist 
“Sun-dappled and splendid.” 4* MOJO 
“Fascinating collection of historic folk covers curated by two legends.”  8/10 Americana UK 
“It’s a triumphant project and a very special kind of magic.”  Rootsworld

Praise for solo album ‘Rooted’ (2019):
“Every track cuts like glass. The folk singer and guitarist continues his winning streak.” Sunday Times
“Martin Simpson is a superb teller of a song. You just have to listen to the opener on this double album, his own composition, Trouble Brought Me Here, to appreciate how his articulation brings the substance of a song alive, borne on his flowing guitar or banjo accompaniment.” The Scotsman 

Other quotes:
“Martin is in a class of his own. He is such an expressive player; he is ingenious in his use of the guitar. You can listen to one of his songs and three or four minutes in, he has only used the top four strings and not even played a bass note yet, and when he does, it feels like an orchestra coming in. His clarity of playing is just amazing.” Jackson Browne
“One of the virtuoso instrumentalists of the English music scene” ‘Sounds better than ever’**** 4 Stars The Guardian
“Simpson has become a fine interpreter of traditional and other songs, as well as a notable writer of his own.”The Times
‘Simpson’s latest is a potent blend of the highest calibre…Simpson has never sung or played better’ Acoustic Magazine
‘One of our finest traditional musicians, Simpson’s latest album offers a roving overview of his talents’**** 4 Stars Uncut
‘An excellent collection of material drawn from both sides of the Atlantic handled with loving care by Simpson and aided by some of the biggest names in folk’**** 4 Stars Maverick

photo credit: Andy Muscroft