Martin Simpson

Martin Simpson is not a man to sit still for very long. Undoubtedly one of the hardest-touring musicians on the UK folk/roots circuit, he also averages a brand new studio album almost every two years. His remarkable intimate solo performances go from strength to strength – every gig is a masterclass. He travels the length and breadth of the UK and beyond, giving rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his playing. Skydancers, his 12th full length solo record for Topic since 1992, came hot on the heels of last year’s guest-packed collaboration with the American producer/guitarist, Thomm Jutz, Nothing But Green Willow: The Songs of Mary Sands and Jane Gentry. Recorded by Tom Wright and Andy Bell in Simpson’s hometown of Sheffield, Skydancers collects new, Simpson-penned originals alongside 18th century broadside ballads and reverent reworkings from the songbooks of, amongst others, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Woody Guthrie, Nancy Kerr, June Tabor and Craig Johnson.

‘Martin Simpson has transcended borders and oceans to quietly become a superb storyteller and musician of great depth and unquestionable taste.’ Stephen Fearing

‘Penguin Eggs-good. Seriously’ **** MOJO

‘I do believe this set could be equal to, maybe better than, anything he’s ever done’ Ian Anderson, TRADFOLK

Thursday 8th August
The Ham
2.45pm