Simon Kempston

Bio:

.. ..

A prolific, engaging songwriter and an inspiring, poetic lyricist, Simon’s songs are amongst the most thought-provoking you are likely to hear, often sidestepping the usual themes of love and attraction in favour of offering social commentary and an insight into the everyday lives of people. His love of Celtic landscape coupled with his travels abroad, particularly in Eastern Europe, has also influenced many of his lyrics. Simon’s original, distinctive guitar playing is founded upon a complex, finger-picking style steeped in the history of the folk, blues and celtic traditions and is complemented by a rich baritone vocal.

However, it is in live performance that Simon’s true passion for music shines through. A powerful and intense live performer Simon has previously had the good fortune to appear on bills with, amongst others, acts like Martin Simpson, Archie Fisher, Martin Stephenson and Haysed Dixie. Within the past year, Simon has also performed in a variety of esteemed venues, folk clubs and festivals across Scotland including a string of dates at the world famous St. Giles Cathedral at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Cabaret Voltaire, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Celtic Connections), the Moniaive and Loch Lomond Folk Festivals and the Glasgow Jazz Festival. Simon has also performed across England, Ireland and Scandinavia.

After selling out a series of three largely solo CDs/EPs Simon has recently released the album 'Carefree Prisoner' with the talented ensemble of musicians he has assembled on his own Self-Portrait Records label. The album has been well received by reviewers and radio stations alike. To promote the album, Simon has already undertaken tours of Scotland, England and Ireland/Northern Ireland in 2010 and has a host of dates lined up throughout the year, as well as commencing work on a follow-up. Copies of 'Carefree Prisoner' are available directly from Simon's website - www.simonkempston.co.uk, independent records stores across Scotland, at live performances and can be downloaded from iTunes, Napster etc.

Member Since:

July 15, 2007

Members:

The following musicians performed on 'Carefree Prisoner':

Adam Nash (string arrangements/violins/violas)

Tom Merritt-Smith (cello)

Rory MacDonald (acoustic percussion)

I have previously had the good fortune to work alongside:

Roberto Suarez (bodhran)

Louie Robertson (guitar)

Dave Hughes (bass guitar)

Influences:

Amongst others - Townes van Zandt, Richard Thompson, John Martyn, Mark Knopfler, Dave Dobbyn, Christy Moore, Martin Simpson, Bruce Springsteen, Dougie Maclean, Steve Tilston, Nanci Griffith, John Spillane, Fairport Convention, Lightnin' Hopkins, Sleepy John Estes, Nick Drake, Skip James, Django Reinhardt, Ralph McTell, Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Jaromir Nohavica, Damien Rice, Altan, Howlin' Wolf, Guy Clark, Martin Stephenson, Brendan Croker, Don McLean, Mick Hanley, Blaze Foley, Nick Cave.

Sounds Like:

..About 'Carefree Prisoner':

'Intelligent, passionate and highly original.'
fROOTS magazine

'This collection of 12 songs penned by the classically trained Dundonian – delicately beautiful melodies, strikingly politicised lyrics – is transformed by Adam Nash’s arrangements which set Kempston’s voice and intricately picked guitar against finely woven backdrops of violin and cello. The result is so unique, so consistent, so complete that Carefree Prisoner sounds more like a unified song cycle than what normally passes for a singer-songwriter’s latest album.'
Alan Morrison, The Sunday Herald

'From the cello to the well picked acoustic guitar and clipped vocal style it’s all there. Thought provoking lyrics coupled with beautifully crafted songs make this a beguiling album.'
Rick Fulton, The Daily Record

'Beautiful songs'
James McKeefry, BBC Radio Leicester

'A battered, ancient woodland of rhythms, accompany weeping strings and softly spoken acoustic guitars. The rousing, blood-pumping 'Barricade', marching melancholy that is 'The Bleeding Mile' and confidently beautiful 'Sternest of Frowns' are all memorable moments, making Carefree Prisoner a shimmering release which captures part of the Celtic and traditional rock genres and instantly personalises them. Scottish routes poke through, creating a beautifully sparse landscape which the listener can continually use to reflect and brood upon.'
Gary Munday, Acoustic Magazine

'Very nice album - we really enjoyed it'
The Durbervilles, BBC Radio Leeds

'A promising debut album.'
Rock'n'Reel magazine

'Windswept & interesting'
Sue Marchant, BBC Radio

..About Simon's music:

'Demonstrating his abilities as a skilled political songwriter, Kempston's songs subtly address the country's changing social climate while avoiding the trap of being mawkish or insincere. Instead, he is warm, earnest and open in his delivery, his baritone voice complementing his distinctive blues finger-plucking style perfectly. It is this virtuosity and honesty which makes his performance so utterly engaging, a melodious voyage into the Scottish psyche.'
Three Weeks

'This being the year of Homecoming, the likes of Kempston should be congratulated for resisting the brand of folk emanating from the popular London clique and reinvigorating Scottish musical identity.'
The Journal

'This young Dundonian is now carving a successful career as a political singer-songwriter'
The Courier - featured article

'A prolific songwriter, influenced as much by world affairs as affairs of the heart, his live performance is as intense and brooding as his material. Scotland has a fine tradition of singer/songwriters who will stand up and be counted, add one more to the list.'
FATEA magazine

Record Label:

Self-Portrait Records