Customer Reviews
Masterful - By: Jeremy Walton, 04 Apr 2008 
We saw MS playing a Wiltshire school hall last Saturday night, where the spell he cast over the rapt audience was palpable. To be able to capture a crowd for the whole of the evening is extraordinary, especially when you consider it's "just" his voice & his guitar playing that's on display. But, as anyone who's ever seen him play live (this was my fourth time) will tell you, his ability on the guitar is nothing short of magical, while his distinctive style of singing is ideally suited to traditional material.
Put the two together, & something remarkable happens, as he's able to keep the rhythm of the accompaniment precise as he stretches & compresses the timing of the song. This is nowhere better demonstrated thanin his reading of "Little Musgrave" (included on this CD), which he used as an opener on Saturday; I felt tears start into my eyes as he skillfully spelt out the dreadful ancient story with complete authority.
All of his skills are well displayed on this excellent collection as he interprets traditional ballads ("The Granemore Hare") & Americana ("Duncan & Brady"), & presents new original songs (including the heartrending "Never Any Good"). He's backed up by some stellar musicians (including harmonies from Kate Rusby, Kellie While & Jackson Browne), but they never detract from the things that take centre stage throughout: that voice, & that guitar.
Quite brilliant - By: Mr. Nicholas Kemp, 10 Mar 2008 Martin Simpson has created some of the most truly inspiring music, but this isin my view his best to date. Its a collection of the most wonderfully crafted & played songs, a true classic & one that should belongin everyone's music collection!
Very Very Good! - By: D. H. Rose, 17 Feb 2008 Martin played "Never Any Good" on Radio 5 Live (Simon Mayo) & I cried.
This is for anybody with:(a) a Mum /and/or Dad,(b)feelings & lots of memories.
Play itin every Year 11 Leaving Assemblyin the UK!
Luminous - By: Wah Wah Banjo, 16 Jan 2008 I'd heard that Martin was good, read the enthusiastic reviews here & enjoyed his recent appearance on Jools Holland's Later. So today when I saw this albumin my local library I borrowed it. Six tracksin I knew I had to buy it. The sublime guitar playing is reason enough, but the songs, their arrangements & Martin's performance of them surpassed my expectation by some distance. The other reviewers are absolutely right. This is luminous, exquisite music by any standard.
Fabulous - By: Hampshire Rose, 12 Dec 2007 I can't praise this album highly enough. Staggeringly good instumental virtuosity. A voice which is clear, sweet & melodic. It will be one of those classic albums which you're still playingin 20 years time.... Buy it!
