Spend a couple of hours at a Martin Simpson show and coming
out inspired, awed, educated, informed and entertained is a non-negotiable exit
feeling. Expecting more than just the song is generally a given at a folk club
show, but the extent to which Martin presents his slide guitar skills, brings his
stories, observations and experiences to life to maximum effect makes him a
firm favourite on the circuit and beyond. If you have an added interest in
American roots music then the place to be on this Wednesday evening was a
packed upstairs function room in Kings Heath’s popular Red Lion pub, the long
term home for the folk club of the same name.
This is the third time I’ve seen Martin live in the last
eighteen months and each show has got progressively longer. First up was a
support slot for Bonnie Raitt at the Birmingham Symphony Hall followed by a
headline gig in Bromsgrove. This show went even further by the club granting
him two sets which easily exceeded a couple of hours. Even as the curfew
approached, Martin decided to show his prowess on the banjo and this could have
been so extended further but time was the ultimate enemy.
It would be impossible to even begin to recount the depth of
Martin’s interim tales and it has to be said that many of them are staples of
his shows but he never tires of telling them and positive reception from the
audience rarely wanes. My favourites are from his time spent in the USA and
there are enlightening stories encapsulating Martin’s discovery, love and
passion for the blues. Martin is still peddling his excellent 2013 album
VAGRANT STANZAS and on perfect cue his extended Delta tale ends with the
delightful track ‘Delta Dreams’.
Martin’s extensive travels and stereoscopic interest in traditional
song across the English speaking world takes us to Australia, Canada, the US
and of course much musing from all corners of the British Isles, extended from
Cornwall to Scotland. Although 2014 is shaping up to be a monumental year in
the folk world for war centenary songs, Martin’s emotional piece ‘Jackie and Murphy’ is surely amongst the
most poignant and memorable. The remainder of the show was full of many snippets including nods to Dylan and
Waits as well as the amazing number of UK folk luminaries who have rubbed
shoulders with Martin over the many years he has graced the music scene. All of
this is laced with highly intrinsic guitar playing hailed by many as a leading
light in the industry and given a glowing introduction by the evening’s host.
If you only dip your toe occasionally into the world of folk
and their extensive, well supported club network, then mark Martin Simpson as
the artist to see. As well as witnessing an evening oozing with captivating
class, you will leave with a richer mind and be more in tune with donkey war
heroes, Wyoming bluesmen and of course one of the UKs best guitarists.