Martin Simpson

Martin Simpson is a folk guitarist and singer from Scunthorpe, United Kingdom. Born in 1953, he begins playing guitar and banjo at the age of 12 and becomes a full-time professional musician in 1970 after leaving college to tour folk clubs.

Early career

Simpson records his first solo album, Golden Vanity, in 1976. In the same year he supports Steeleye Span on their UK tour. His early work also includes touring folk clubs and festival appearances.

Work with June Tabor

In the 1970s, Simpson teams up with singer June Tabor. They record three albums together and perform a widely travelled folk-club and festival partnership. Their approach to traditional material has a fluid, jazz-influenced quality, with Simpson’s instrumental work complementing Tabor’s voice.

Later development

During the 1980s, Simpson moves to the United States, living first in Ithaca, New York, then Santa Cruz, and later New Orleans. Over the following decade his music becomes more varied, drawing on blues, bluegrass, Cajun music and Indian-influenced elements. He releases a series of albums through the 1990s before returning to the UK.

2000s and recognition

In 2003, Simpson reunites with June Tabor. In 2005, a readers’ poll in Acoustic Guitar places him at number 12 among guitarists worldwide. His 2007 album Prodigal Son wins the 2008 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for best album and is also named the 7th best new album of 2007 in the fRoots critics’ poll. The album combines traditional songs with Simpson originals and is noted for its southern American character.

Personal life and collaborations

Simpson is married to Kit Bailey, daughter of singer Roy Bailey, and occasionally performs with her. They live in Sheffield and have a daughter.