Martin Simpson

Biography

Martin Stewart Simpson, born on 5 May 1953 in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, England, developed an early passion for music, learning guitar and banjo from age twelve and performing at local folk clubs. By fifteen, he was playing professionally, attending blues festivals where he met legends like Big Joe Williams, and in 1970, he dropped out of John Leggott College to pursue music full-time. His debut solo album, Golden Vanity, arrived in 1976, followed by tours opening for Steeleye Span and performances with Ashley Hutchings’ Albion Band in 1979, establishing him as a key figure in British folk.[1][2][4]

Simpson's career evolved through diverse collaborations and explorations, including three albums with vocalist June Tabor in the late 1970s and 1980s, a groundbreaking 1995 session with Chinese pipa player Wu Man on Music for the Motherless Child, and cross-cultural works like Kambara Music in Native Tongues with David Hidalgo of Los Lobos and Viji Krishnan. His style blends traditional English, Irish, American, and global influences with masterful acoustic and slide guitar, banjo, and sparse picking techniques, often focusing on storytelling through folk songs from the Deep South or British traditions, as heard in albums like Righteousness and Humidity (2003), The Bramble Briar (2001), and Prodigal Son (2007). He co-founded High Bohemia label with Jessica Radcliffe in 1999 and continues releasing acclaimed work, including Skydancers in 2024.[1][2][3][4]

Renowned as one of the world's finest acoustic guitarists—ranked in Gibson's Top 30 and Acoustic Guitar's top 12—Simpson's legacy includes 32 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominations (most ever), wins for Artist of the Year (twice), Best Musician (2004), Album of the Year for Prodigal Son (2008), and Best Original Song for 'Never Any Good'. His prolific output spans over 50 albums as solo artist, collaborator, and session musician, influencing folk guitar with eclectic, emotive interpretations.[2][3][6]

Fun Facts

• Recorded the album Music for the Motherless Child with Wu Man in a single session from 7:00 pm to 2:30 am, blending Western and Chinese improvisation on mostly British/US traditional tracks.[1][2]
• Dropped out of college in 1970 at age 17 to become a full-time musician after starting professionally at 15.[1][2][4]
• Most nominated artist in BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards history with 32 nominations, including nine consecutive Artist of the Year nods.[1][2][3]
• Co-founded High Bohemia label in 1999 and formed the Martin Simpson Band in Ithaca, USA, during his time living in the States.[1][2][4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Big Joe Williams - Early blues influence met at festivals (Inspired early playing style) [1960s]
• Stefan Grossman - Record label invitation and collaboration (When I Was on Horseback, Leaves of Life albums for Shanachie) [1980s]

Key Collaborators

• June Tabor - Frequent touring partner and recording artist (she did not play instruments) (Three albums together) [Late 1970s-1980s]
• Ashley Hutchings - Performed with Albion Band (Live performances) [1979]
• Wu Man - Cross-cultural improvisation (Music for the Motherless Child) [1995]
• David Hidalgo - Collaboration blending Hindu and contemporary songs (Kambara Music in Native Tongues (with Viji Krishnan)) [1990s]
• Rick Kemp - Featured musician on Deep South-focused album (Righteousness and Humidity) [2003]
• Jessica Radcliffe - Co-founded record label (High Bohemia label) [1999]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia