Martin Simpson is a true icon of the global acoustic music scene. As a guitarist, he has done a huge amount to push the boundaries of the acoustic steel string instrument - showing it can be an expressive and lyrical voice. As a songwriter, he is a masterful storyteller whose poignant lyrics are shared with a disarmingly gentle, no-frills delivery that makes those of us who grew up in the North of England very glad to have done so, and everyone who didn't wish that they had. 

 

Throughout his career, Martin Simpson has been a vocal proponent of luthier-made guitars - from his early adoption of the work of Northumberland's Stefan Sobell and Cumbria's Fylde Guitars to his championing of the next generation of British lutherie with instruments by Taran Guitars in Scotland and Turnstone Guitars in England. 

 

It is no exaggeration to say that Martin Simpson's musicality and expectations from a guitar have informed the voice of the modern steel-string guitar, perhaps more than any other player. This is very cool indeed. 

 

During my visit to Martin's home, I had the good fortune to record him playing slide on his Taran guitar. You can watch that video here https://youtu.be/eFJK1zvmPc0, as well as exploring my own instrument by Casimi guitars https://youtu.be/45WnYusgR4w

 

This episode of Life On The Fretboard is brought to you with the kind sponsorship of the author John Stubbings, whose new novel 'The Guitar Detective' is a beautiful companion piece to his debut ouvre 'The Devil Is In It.'  You can get your copy of 'The Guitar Detective' right here: https://orpharionpress.com

 

You can learn more about Martin Simpson here:

 

You can learn more about my work here:

 

Be advised that the conversation does contain some adult language.

 

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