Full Review

Martin Simpson – Kind Letters

Simpson’s 2001 album ‘The Bramble Briar’ is one of the best traditional folk albums of the past 10 years so it was inevitable that another trad. arr. Simpson disc would arrive. Although comparisons to the earlier disc are easy to make this album has a different feel and atmosphere, and rather than treading the same ground he approaches the material in a slightly different manner.

As with any collection of English folk songs the stories are littered with crime, death and deceit, and this is usually accompanied by a degree of aggression in the arrangement or vocal delivery to add drama to the stories; on ‘Kind Letter’ everything is much more relaxed and low-key which really focuses the listener on the lyrics and the real drama in the narrative.

The arrangements may be understated but they’re certainly not lacking in quality or depth, his own guitar work is as stunning as ever but the inclusion of Nancy Kerr, James Fagan and Danu on various tracks gives the album an organic and natural sound – this is perfectly illustrated on ‘A Blacksmith Courted Me’ a beautifully smooth duet with Kerr’s violin and viola, and this is one of two instrumentals amongst the 12 songs.

The album is littered with memorable tracks, excellent readings of ‘Here’s Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy’ and the ‘Cruel Brother’ sit alongside the above mentioned duet and a nine minute epic version of ‘Clerk Sanders’.

‘Kind Letters’ is an exceptional folk album; the strong songs are attractively arranged and performed by Simpson and guests, and every song is backed up by extensive notes in booklet. Highly recommended.