With Prodigal Son Martin Simpson has made what is undoubtedly his finest recording to date. The album reflects the full breadth of his creativity, drawing on both British and American traditions as well as including several of his own outstanding compositions.
Many of Martin’s good friends and favourite artists appear with him on the album, including Jackson Browne who adds a perfect harmony vocal to Martin’s beautiful version of Randy Newman’s Louisiana 1927. Kate Rusby and Kellie While sing sublime harmonies on two of the tracks – Never Any Good [Martin’s song for his father] and Batchelor’s Hall. The album is further enhanced by Danny Thompson on bass, Andy Cutting on accordion, Alistair Anderson on concertina and Northumbrian pipes and Barry Philips on cello.
“A modern masterpiece. This remarkable collection of fifteen songs and tunes which, by any measure, is the best album that Simpson has recorded to date – he has produced a near-flawless folk masterpiece.” Sydney Morning Herald
“Prodigal Son is a triumph” Verity Sharp, BBC Radio 3 Late Junction
“The [album] has range, a relaxed mastery and emotional depth – this is roots music at its richest.” ★★★★★ The List
“A quiet masterpiece. There are classic English ballads, excursions into Americana and a clutch of open-hearted originals- resulting in an album of easy elegance.” ★★★★ Observer Music Monthly
1 Batchelors Hall
2 Pretty Crowing Chicken
3 Lakes of Champlain
4 She Slips Away
5 The Granemore Hare
6 Mother Love
7 Little Musgrave
8 A Love Letter
9 Duncan & Brady
10 Never Any Good
11 Good Morning Mr Railroad Man
12 Louisiana 1927
13 La Rivolte
14 Andrew Lammie
15 Kit’s Tune / When A Knight Won His Spurs
Martin Simpson Acoustic, Resonator, lap-slide, electric guitars, 5-string banjo & vocals
with
Alistair Anderson Concertina & Northumbrian Pipes
Jackson Browne Vocal
Andy Cutting Accordion
Barry Phillips Cello
Kate Rusby Vocal
Danny Thompson Bass
Kellie While Vocal
Available now from:
TOPIC SHOP, AMAZON, ITUNES and on SPOTIFY
