Preview: Martin Simpson to play Borders dates

Folk giant Martin Simpson is widely acknowledged as one of the best acoustic and slide guitar players in the world. His interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling, and his solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. This is a musician at the height of his powers with an enviable reputation as “the best of the best”.

Martin has been nominated an astounding and unprecedented 27 times in the 15 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards – more than any other performer. This includes nine consecutive years as nominee for Musician of The Year, which he has now won twice.

In 2008 he received an incredible five nominations for ‘Prodigal Son’ and two wins, whilst in 2010 he had an incredible six nominations for his CD, ‘True Stories’ and a win for Best Traditional Track, ‘Sir Patrick Spens’.

His career includes collaborations on stage and record with Richard Hawley, Richard Thompson, June Tabor, Kelly Joe Phelps, Jackson Browne, Danny Thompson, Danú, Martin Carthy, Cara Dillon, David Lindley, Roy Bailey, Martin Taylor, David Hidalgo, Steve Miller, Dick Gaughan, Dom Flemons and many more, too many to mention here.

In 2015 he started working in a new trio with Andy Cutting and Nancy Kerr; they have already released an album together, ‘Murmurs’, to wide critical acclaim.

Whether playing American old-time music, blues, a Dylan song or his own material, Martin Simpson is unpredictable, individual and a guitarist of immense subtlety.

Tickets are £15. Call the County Hotel or phone 01750 721233 (credit card bookings incur a 50p transaction fee).

Martin is also appearing at Eyemouth Hippodrome on Sunday, April 24 at 8pm. Tickets £12.50. Call 01890 750099 to book, or see eyemouthhippodrome.org