Purpose + Grace

While producing an album that once again is an emotional roller-coaster Martin is, on this album, having fun with a bunch of respected musical friends. It ranges from the almost tear-jerking "Brothers Under the Bridge" and "Brother Can You Spare a Dime" to the joyous "Little Liza Jane" and more than adequately showcases his brilliant guitar and banjo skills. The track "Don't Leave Your Banjo In the Shed Mr Waterson" is made the more touching given the recent death of Mike Waterson for whom the tune was written.

Hearing the bonus track makes one wonder how long it will be before we see Martin being joined on stage by his daughter Molly, a la Martin and Eliza Carthy.

An excellent introduction to the phenomenon that is Martin Simpson and a fine follow up to his last album, True Stories.

Let me start by saying that this is the 19th Martin Simpson album I have bought and he's just as good as on his 1983 release " Grinning in your Face". Or should I say he's always been excellent on every album since then, up to and including "Purpose and Grace". He looks a bit grimmer and greyer, but he still knows how to have a lot fun with his friends, who he gathers together for a star studded production. Its a knock-out album,my personal favourites being " General Wolfe", "Strange Affair", and " Barbry Allen". Lots of instrumental magic from the whole band and quite a New Orleans feel in places.Just realized I've been listening to this guy making superlative music for over 28 years now! He's a classic master of the guitar. Keep on playing those tunes Mr Simpson.

There might be one good reason for buying Martin Simpson's new album
'Purpose + Grace' : his performance, together with June Tabor, of
Richard Thompson's sublime song 'Strange Affair' - but there are, in
fact, a further dozen other good reasons for doing so too. Mr Simpson
has no need to mess about with his material; giving it a contemporary
twist or tarting it up with over-decorative detail. This collection
shines like gold; its simple merits a testament to its maker's artistry.
True, there are some very special guests on board too but it feels as
though they are here as friends as much as co-conspirators. It's a joy!

Standout tracks include : the uncluttered solo rendition of 'Bold
General Wolfe', wherein one can almost smell the sea and hear the
cannons roar - a great story well-told and well-played by a master;
the rough and ready vernacular of the inimitable Scottish singer
Dick Gaughan on 'Jamie Foyers'; the wonderfully pathos-filled account
of Bruce Springsteen's 'Brothers Under The Bridge'; the evocative guitar
lamentations of 'In The Pines' and the stirling interpretation of 'Brother
Can You Spare A Dime' (Mr Gaughan again on fine form, delivering another of
the album's finest moments). The pick of the crop for me, however, comes
with Mr Simpson's intensely focussed performance of 'Barbry Allen'. One
man and his guitar and a lifetime's experience condensed in a single song.
Wholesome and magical music making really doesn't get much better than this!

Both the purpose and the grace of Mr Simpson's vision are wholly palpable.

Essential.