Executive Overview
In the upper echelons of contemporary acoustic and folk music, few artists command the universal reverence, technical brilliance, and stylistic dexterity of Martin Simpson. Later this month, on September 25th, Simpson will add a glittering new jewel to his storied discography with the release of his brand-new studio album, Some Kind Of Jubilee. Issued via Topic Records—his artistic and spiritual home for the past two decades—this upcoming record is far more than a standard career-phase release. It stands as a monumental professional milestone, marking precisely half a century since Simpson entered the public consciousness as a recorded artist.
To commemorate 50 years since the release of his debut album, Golden Vanity (recorded by the legendary Bill Leader and originally released on the Trailer label in 1976), Simpson has crafted what he himself boldly asserts is "my best work to date."
Such a statement, coming from a musician widely celebrated as operating at the absolute pinnacle of global roots music, is not made lightly. To bring this golden jubilee to life, Simpson transcended geographical and creative boundaries, recording across two continents—utilizing Jackson Browne’s state-of-the-art Groovemaster studio in Santa Monica, California, before putting the finishing touches on the project in the rich acoustic landscapes of Yorkshire, England.
Compounding the excitement surrounding the album’s impending drop, a wave of anticipation has swept through the folk community following the release of a stunning, exclusive solo performance video. Recorded in collaboration with Turnstone Guitars—renowned English artisans who have spent over a decade meticulously handcrafting world-class acoustic instruments—Simpson delivers a mesmerizing, idiosyncratic reading of Bob Dylan’s classic bittersweet anthem, "Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright."
As the music world turns its eyes toward September 25th, this comprehensive retrospective and preview examines the making of Some Kind Of Jubilee, explores the stellar cast of collaborators who assisted in shaping its sound, investigates deep-seated historical and thematic connections to the music of Bob Dylan, and weighs the lasting legacy of an artist whose fingers and heart have shaped modern folk music for five decades.
Detailed Chronology: From Golden Vanity to Some Kind Of Jubilee
The Genesis: 1976 and the Dawn of a Virtuoso
To understand the magnitude of Some Kind Of Jubilee, one must journey back through the annals of British folk history. The year 1976 was a watershed moment for acoustic music in the United Kingdom. While the mainstream music industry was being radically disrupted by the violent birth of punk rock, a quiet revolution of traditional instrumentalism and songcraft was taking place in folk clubs and independent studios across the British Isles.
It was during this era that a young Martin Simpson—possessing an astonishingly advanced grasp of traditional fingerstyle guitar, slide, and English folk idioms—stepped in front of a microphone to record his debut long-player, Golden Vanity. Captured by Bill Leader, a pioneering sound recordist and producer whose legendary mobile setup documented the foundational sounds of the British folk revival (including classic recordings by Martin Carthy, Nic Jones, and The Watersons), Golden Vanity announced the arrival of a generational talent. Released on the Trailer label, the record showcased a preternatural maturity. Even at a tender age, Simpson possessed a singular touch, blending the syncopated rhythms of American blues and Appalachian old-time music with the modal intricacies of traditional British and Irish folk melodies.
Two Decades at Topic Records
As the decades progressed, Simpson’s career evolved through international touring, critically acclaimed cross-cultural collaborations—particularly during his years residing in the United States—and a steady stream of masterclass recordings. For the past twenty years, Topic Records has served as his primary home. As the world’s oldest independent folk label, Topic provided Simpson with an uncompromised platform to explore the outer parameters of his musical vision, resulting in a string of defining albums that have heavily influenced subsequent generations of guitarists.
The Transatlantic Sessions: Santa Monica to Yorkshire
For Some Kind Of Jubilee, Simpson refused to rest on his laurels or default to comfortable formulas. Instead, he sought to capture a grand, expansive sonic palette by utilizing two distinct, world-class recording environments.
The primary sessions took place at Groovemaster Studio in Santa Monica, California—the private sanctum of acclaimed singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. Known for its warmth, vintage analog gear, and relaxed, creative atmosphere, Groovemaster provided the ideal backdrop for Simpson to merge American roots sensibilities with his own deeply rooted British perspective. However, true to his Yorkshire connections and lifelong affinity for the English countryside, the project was finalized back home in Yorkshire, ensuring that the album bridges the physical and musical geographies that have defined Simpson’s transatlantic career.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Heavy-Hitters of Some Kind Of Jubilee
A milestone anniversary demands an exceptional ensemble, and Simpson has assembled a veritable pantheon of international heavy-hitters and contemporary folk innovators to bring Some Kind Of Jubilee to life. The roster of guest musicians bridges generations, blending seasoned Los Angeles studio legends with the sharpest lights of the modern British folk revival.
The Transatlantic All-Stars
- Greg Leisz (Pedal Steel Guitar): A titan of the American roots and rock scenes, Leisz’s resplendent pedal steel and string work has graced masterworks by Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan (Shadow Kingdom), Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton, and countless others. His inclusion on Simpson’s record adds an ethereal, cinematic warmth that elevates the album’s ambient textures.
- Zac Hobbs (Guitar): Renowned for his exquisite fretboard work and versatility across musical genres, Hobbs has collaborated with royalty from the worlds of indie-folk and Americana, including Rufus and Martha Wainwright and Emmylou Harris.
- Liz Hanks (Cello): A familiar and celebrated name to followers of contemporary British music, Hanks brings her rich, emotive cello arrangements to the record. Her diverse performance credits span the worlds of indie-rock and alternative pop, including work with Richard Hawley and Liam Gallagher.
- Louis Campbell (Guitar): One of the most fiercely talented young guitarists currently operating within the British folk circuit, Campbell has lent his dynamic playing to projects alongside luminaries like Sam Sweeney and Sam Lee, earning widespread critical acclaim along the way.
- Ben Nicholls (Double Bass): Universally acknowledged as one of the most in-demand and tasteful sidemen in modern folk music, Nicholls anchors the rhythm section with his resonant double bass. His extensive resume includes foundational contributions to the sounds of Seth Lakeman and Cara Dillon.
Official Statements and Artistic Insights: Unpacking the Dylan Connection
The release of Some Kind Of Jubilee is accompanied by a very special preview: a solo video performance of Bob Dylan’s "Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright," recorded at Turnstone Guitars in England. This performance is not merely a cover; it represents a profound, circular journey through Simpson’s artistic life.
Martin Simpson on the Evolution of a Song
Reflecting on the track, Simpson offered a fascinating glimpse into his lifelong relationship with Dylan’s catalog:
“’Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ is a cover of Bob Dylan’s bitter farewell and final dismissal of a failed relationship. As one of my earliest influences, I recorded this when I was 17 on a very limited-edition LP for my friends and family. It is illuminating to hear that now, my fingers were more proficient than my ears… After playing it in standard tuning a couple of years ago, I decided to play it in CGCFCD for the exercise, and it made me happy.”
The Deep Web of Intersecting Orbits
The thematic and biographical threads connecting Martin Simpson, Bob Dylan, and Some Kind Of Jubilee are rich and multifaceted. As cultural critics have frequently observed, Simpson remains an artist operating at the highest level anywhere in the world—a status he shares with enduring icons like Dylan.
Consider the web of intersections:
- The Studio Connection: Greg Leisz, who contributes sublime pedal steel to Simpson’s new album, was a key instrumentalist on Dylan’s acclaimed visual and sonic project, Shadow Kingdom. Furthermore, Dylan himself has utilized Groovemaster Studio—Simpson’s recording hub in Santa Monica—for significant recording sessions, most notably his celebrated 2012 masterpiece, Tempest.
- The Repertoire Link: Simpson’s debut album, Golden Vanity (1976), featured a cover of Dylan’s "Love Minus Zero, No Limit." That iconic song originally appeared as the second track on Dylan’s landmark 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home—the revolutionary record where Dylan permanently altered the landscape of popular music by splitting his sound between electric rock and acoustic folk.
- The Thematic Thread: Both "Love Minus Zero, No Limit" and "Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright" deal with the complex emotional terrain of romantic fracture. While the former offers a surreal, protective portrait of devotion, the latter serves as the ultimate, biting kiss-off to a dissolved union. By revisiting "Don’t Think Twice" at this juncture in his life, Simpson demonstrates a profound ability to draw deep emotional resonance from material that first captivated him as a teenager.
Future Outlook: Legacy, Tour Dates, and the Road Ahead
As the countdown to September 25th continues, the global folk community is preparing for what promises to be one of the definitive releases of the decade. Some Kind Of Jubilee is not just a celebration of the past fifty years; it is a vital, forward-looking statement from a musician who refuses to rest on past glories.
By pairing his peerless, lifelong technical mastery with a fresh, inquisitive approach to tuning, arrangement, and collaboration, Martin Simpson proves once again why he is considered a master of his craft. The inclusion of stellar modern players alongside American studio royalty ensures that the album bridges historical reverence with contemporary vitality.
What Comes Next?
Following the release of Some Kind Of Jubilee via Topic Records, Simpson will take these new songs and arrangements out on the road. For devotees of live acoustic music, witnessing Simpson perform in an intimate concert setting remains an unmissable experience—a masterclass in dynamic phrasing, storytelling, and breathtaking guitar execution.
- Pre-Order Information: Fans eager to secure physical or digital copies can pre-order Some Kind Of Jubilee directly via Martin Simpson’s Official Linktree.
- Live Dates: To check upcoming tour schedules and secure tickets for his extensive autumn concert itinerary, visit Martin Simpson’s Official Gigs Page.
Stay tuned for further in-depth reviews, interviews, and exclusive features as we continue to track the golden jubilee of one of acoustic music’s greatest living treasures.
