martin simpson trio

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Martin Simpson is one of the finest acoustic finger-style and slide guitar players in the world. Winner of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Album in 2002 for 'The Bramble Briar' and in 2008 for 'Prodigal Son', Best Original Song in 2008 for 'Never Any Good', and also winning Musician of The Year in 2002 and 2004., he is a superb interpreter of traditional music and song from Europe and from the American South. Growing up in Lincolnshire he was inspired by the likes of Martin Carthy, Davey Graham and Richard Thompson during the folk revival of the 60s.

2007 saw Martin Simpson release the award-winning album, 'Prodigal Son', for the Topic Label. A mix of original and traditional songs and tunes, the album features Alistair Anderson, Andy Cutting, Barry Phillips and Danny Thompson, as well as some stellar guest vocalists.  There is no doubt that after 35 years as a professional musician Martin is, right now, better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving.

"Distinctive coiled-spring beauty and power.  A revelation...Exquisitely at one with the All-English repertoire...A master." Mojo

Andy Cutting is a rarity. A musician's musician: a soulful and technically outstanding melodeon practitioner with an ear for a fine tune. Winner of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award 2008 Musician of the Year, Andy has been a consistent musical force since he came swiftly to prominence with the innovative Blowzabella. As well as a thorough grounding in the English tradition, Andy's influences extend way beyond these isles, particularly to the music of Central France and to the storming Quebecois tradition.

Andy is a warm and emotive performer, modestly engaging his audiences with his self-deprecating wit and then flooring them with downright staggering musicianship. There are few melodeon players who put so much feeling into their playing, whether it be a set of dance tunes, or accompaniment to a slow English ballad. Andy's commitment to, and sense of pride in traditional music, as well as his sensitivity and understanding of the form, has made him one of the folk scene's most wanted.

Andy Seward has played bass with artists such as John Tams, Kate Rusby and Eddi Reader. He is also a highly respected recording engineer and producer and amongst his hundreds of recording credits are albums for Kris Drever, Eddi Reader, Kate Rusby, Johnny Dickinson, Roddy Woomble and Martin Simpson. He was music producer for the recent series of BBC Radio Ballads which earned him a Sony Radio Academy Gold Award, and has recorded various film and television soundtracks including most recently the BBC sitcom Jam & Jerusalem and Billy Connelly’s Musical Tour of New Zealand.