Customer Reviews

Righteousness & Humidity

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is another fantastic release from one of the world's finest acoustic guitar players. This album is inspired by the traditional music of the American South. It has soulful, introspective intrumental tracks as well as some serious groove based ones. The opening track, John Hardy, is a great example of the influence New Orleans had on Martin's music. Overall, this is a great record and a wonderful compliment to the Bramble Briar, Martin's prior release.

One of today's finest slide guitarists and interpreters of traditional music, Martin Simpson continues to grow, inspire, and delight with his razor-sharp picking and grainy voice. On this album -- the most sonically diverse of his career -- Simpson swings effortlessly from the crisp, modal twang of his native British Isles to the haunting cry of Delta blues and low-key swagger of New Orleans funk. His timbral palette is huge: In addition to acoustic and electric guitars, he plays 5-string banjo, ukulele, lap steel, and percussion. Sometimes flying solo, but most often backed by various American and British players (including bassist Rick Kemp of Steeleye Span, and guitarist Dave Malone and bassist Reggie Scanlan of the Big Easy's legendary Radiators), Simpson delivers chimey ragtime counterpoint, rippling close-interval melodies, and snarling slide riffs with robust tone and flawless intonation. Whether he's putting a fresh twist on classics like "Rollin' and Tumblin'" and "John Hardy" or digging into vibey originals, Simpson never flaunts his monster chops. Instead, he seduces with mysterious 6-string textures and poignant tales of lost love and drunken murder. Bewitching sounds from a 21st-century troubadour.

(In response to the review below) This is a GREAT album. The guitar playing (acoustic, electric, slide) is just amazing. The song selection is really fine. And to my tastes, I think these make Martin's voice sound good and appropriate. (I find his vocals on his earlier LIVE weaker, and always prefered his all instrumental COOL AND UNUSUAL and LEAVES OF LIFE). Maybe I'm just getting used to his unique voice, but these tunes are worth enduring practically anything for, and I like his vocals now anyways! (Also check out his similarly fine THE BRAMBLE BRIAR.)

I was extremely impressed with this album. The guitar work and blend of intruments and voices all work well together, especially on track 3 where the woman's voice at first sounds like a soft instrument and is an ethereal shadow of Simpson's voice.

I have been a fan of Mr. Simpson for over a decade, after seeing him in a riveting live performance. Unfortunately he has somehow changed either the way he sings or the way he mixes his vocals into the recording because his vocals now greatly detract from the incredible musical skill you hear. I think I will stand pat with the many earlier recordings I so enjoy.

simpson cannot sing. his vocals are horrible and not in a good way (like kottke). this is one annoying album.