Martin Simpson
Martin Simpson (born 5 May 1953, Scunthorpe, England) is an English guitari… Read Full Bio ↴Martin Simpson (born 5 May 1953, Scunthorpe, England) is an English guitarist of some renown. In the 1970s he teamed up with legendary singer June Tabor; together they recorded three albums.
By the age of 12 Simpson was playing guitar and banjo. In 1970, Simpson dropped out of college to become a full-time professional musician, touring folk clubs. In 1976 he recorded his first solo album "Golden Vanity". In the same year he opened for Steeleye Span on their UK tour. Teaming up with June Tabor, a folk singer who didn't play an instrument, Simpson toured folk clubs and appeared at festivals. They recorded three albums together, highlighting each other's complementary talents. There was a fluid jazzy feel about their approach to traditional material.
In the 1980s he moved to America, originally to Ithaca, New York then to Santa Cruz and finally New Orleans.
Over the next ten years Simpson became more and more adventurous, playing blues, bluegrass, cajun and even Indian-inflected music. He released a series of albums right through the 1990s, eventually moving back to the UK.
In 2003 he teamed up with June Tabor again. A readers' poll of the magazine "Acoustic Guitar" voted him as number 12 in the world in 2005.
In 2007 Simpson released "Prodigal Son". The 2008 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards voted it as best album. The fRoots critics poll voted it as the 7th best new album of 2007. It is a mixture of traditional songs and Simpson originals, the highlights of which possess a distinctly southern American flavor.
Simpson is now married to Kit Bailey, the daughter of the singer Roy Bailey, with whom Simpson occasionally performs. Martin and Kit now live in Sheffield and have a daughter.
By the age of 12 Simpson was playing guitar and banjo. In 1970, Simpson dropped out of college to become a full-time professional musician, touring folk clubs. In 1976 he recorded his first solo album "Golden Vanity". In the same year he opened for Steeleye Span on their UK tour. Teaming up with June Tabor, a folk singer who didn't play an instrument, Simpson toured folk clubs and appeared at festivals. They recorded three albums together, highlighting each other's complementary talents. There was a fluid jazzy feel about their approach to traditional material.
In the 1980s he moved to America, originally to Ithaca, New York then to Santa Cruz and finally New Orleans.
Over the next ten years Simpson became more and more adventurous, playing blues, bluegrass, cajun and even Indian-inflected music. He released a series of albums right through the 1990s, eventually moving back to the UK.
In 2003 he teamed up with June Tabor again. A readers' poll of the magazine "Acoustic Guitar" voted him as number 12 in the world in 2005.
In 2007 Simpson released "Prodigal Son". The 2008 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards voted it as best album. The fRoots critics poll voted it as the 7th best new album of 2007. It is a mixture of traditional songs and Simpson originals, the highlights of which possess a distinctly southern American flavor.
Simpson is now married to Kit Bailey, the daughter of the singer Roy Bailey, with whom Simpson occasionally performs. Martin and Kit now live in Sheffield and have a daughter.
More Genres
No Artists Found
More Artists
Load All
No Albums Found
More Albums
Load All
No Tracks Found
Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Search results not found
Song not found
Martin Simpson Lyrics
Batchelors Hall I am tired of this city, the streets are unkind. I…
Boots of Spanish Leather Oh, I'm sailin' away my own true love, I'm sailin' away…
Fair Annie Fair Annie Adieu, Audie fair Annie did say for twelve month…
Garryowen Let Bacchus' sons be not dismayed But join with me, each…
Good Morning Mr Railroad Man Good morning, Mr. Railroad Man What time do your trains roll…
Handsome Molly Well, I wish I was in London, Or some other seaport…
I Want You I'm looking through you, Where did you go? I thought I…
I'm Looking Through You I'm looking through you, Where did you go? I thought I…
Icarus I never wanted to fly high I was too fond of…
It Doesn't Matter Anymore There you go and baby here am I I know you…
Jackie and Murphy There's a statue of a donkey On South Sheilds sea front He's…
Lakes of Champlain Airly one morning young William arose It's off to his comrad…
Lakes of Ponchartrain Through streams and bogs and under bush, I made my…
Little Birdie Little birdie, little birdie Come and sing me you song Got a…
Louisiana 1927 What has happened down here is the wind have changed Clouds…
Never Any Good You were never any good with money. You couldn't even hold…
Strange Affair This is a strange affair The time has come to travel…
The First Cut Is the Deepest I would have given you all of my heart But there's…
The Lakes Of Ponchartrain Through streams and bogs and under bush, I made my…