Album of the Week – Martin Simpson ‘Skydancers’
Written by celtic music radio on March 16, 2024
Folk and roots singer/songwriter MARTIN SIMPSON – who averages a new studio album almost every two years – is set to release ‘SKYDANCERS’ his 12th full-length solo record.
Recorded in Martin’s hometown of Sheffield, Skydancers collects new originals alongside 18th century ballads plus reworkings from the songbooks of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Woody Guthrie, Nancy Kerr, June Tabor and Craig Johnson, amongst others.
The title track, commissioned by TV presenter and naturalist, Chris Packham, highlights the plight of the endangered Hen Harrier – Martin has a keen interest in ornithology.
American pedal steel maestro, Greg Leisz; Andy Cutting on diatonic accordion; Louis Campbell on acoustic and electric guitar; Liz Hanks on cello; Ben Nicholls on string bass and a bevy of accompanying singers all appear on the record.
“I love making music with these people,” said Martin, who added: “The album is a mix of traditional and original songs, some of my own and others by various sources, who are, as ever, diverse and transatlantic.”
He will be talking with Hugh Taylor on our Album of the Week Show today at a new time of 5 pm for this week only.
• ALBUM OF THE WEEK SHOW – featuring Martin Simpson in conversation with HUGH TAYLOR – Saturday, March 16, 2024 – 5 to 6 pm.
Skydancers is out on April 12th on Topic Records.
Album cover photo by Andy Muscroft
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