Martin Simpson, live

I saw him play the other week, and I agree, his guitar work was wonderful, and I enjoyed the whole set. He's played with some fantastic musicians, including a 3 (or so) album stint with June Tabor.

I only have one of his albums - 'Sad or High Kicking' (bought after the gig), the CD is a relatively harsh copy of what was, I believe, an excellent vinyl version (previously I only had it on tape).

The new album is 'The Bramble Briar', a collection of English tunes. But there's a discography on his website (www.martinsimpson.com). 'The Leaves of Life' may well be my next MS purchase.

Will.

He's also playing in the Holywell Music Rooms in Oxford this coming Saturday evening, which is a wonderful venue.

I saw the adverts for this gig whilst in oxford for the weekend, but will unfortunately not be able to make it. So on spec, i picked up the lastest CD "the bramble briar" which is a wondeful album.

superb finger picking and slide guitar, and fantastic songs too. i found it a little more folky than blusey, but there seem to be many different elements to his song writing, which makes for a very interesting listen.

cheers

matt

I have a vinyl copy of Sad or High Kicking which is superb. I had often wondered what had happened to him; now I know.

Anyone have/heard Steve Harley's Poetic Justice - excellent album.

/dl

Thanks, folks, good to hear from you.

I checked and he's in Oxford this Sunday 2 Sept, not Saturday, and I'll be there. I agree Matt about the Holywell Music Rooms - it's a really nice place, small and dignified and very good for getting into the music somehow.

As far as albums go, I just bought the Bramble Briar CD - it's very good, maybe a bit more traditional / straight folk style than what he played live.

I was also lucky to pick up two on Vinyl recently - A Cut Above with June Tabor is great and my wife has played this more than any other record over the last few weeks. I'll try to get the others. June Tabor has a sublime voice.

I also got Sad or High Kicking which has great sharp fingerpicking and some really interesting melodies. This guy has style.

Nice to begin another journey,

Thanks,

Ian

so, Ian...what was the gig like?

matt

Matt etc,

The concert was great - I thought the Holywell might be a bit formal if you know what I mean, but it just meant more listening intensity which the music fully justified. He has such style and did some really mesmerising songs.

Bit of a guitar-fest at the moment - Antonio Forcione is playing at the Holywell this Saturday, with a cellist. Looking forward to that.

Ian