Martin Simpson - Blues Run The Game

Martin Simpson uses D’Addario Strings exclusively.

Sponsored by PRS Guitars.

Video filmed and edited by Jim Lockey:

[StructureinSound]

Martin Simpson is made of Sheffield Steel, his Spine of The Pennines, but his Heart is with the American South Black Cotton Pickers. What a Great Folk Guitarist, in the long history of working-class creativity, in the face of struggling for our children.

[jimbobyahoo]

As a friend to both Martin and Jackson (resting in peace) I thank the universe for allowing you both to be as part of the world of music, and my life.

[MrConan]

In the 1980's and 1990's I was a member of the Hong Kong folks society and we put on an annual folks festival. Martin was one of performers who came out (twice I think). Performers were asked to conduct 'clinics' in the afternoons for aspiring folks like me. I was 'one on one' with Martin and two things stick in my mind. I asked him how often he changed his strings? "Every gig". He then went on to give a great tip and that was not to keep your guitar in a case at home but to put it on a stand so that it was always visible and in easy reach.

[carolegarland]

Got seven Martin Simpson cd's. You can never have enough I reckon.

[gesco]

Gotta say (and this might be controversial) I think this is the best version I've heard of Jackson Frank's song. Why? Simpson's gorgeous chords do greater justice to the poignant, painful lyrics than the better known versions. I first heard this done live at the Bert Jansch tribute concert and loved it.

[jamescoulter]

The guitar work is magnificent, & I've heard many versions of this song by Jackson C. Frank, & sang it myself from the 1st time I heard Jackson play it. (Jeff Coulter. Ayrshire, Scotland)

[thetwon]

Without a doubt ..
that tune is a very clever song .
Martins version melts my head every time..
it’s so concise and more to point it’s better in so many ways ..
play list for life .

[steventhomas]

Beauty meets tragedy. Just discovered this video after buying tickets to see you next month at Carey's Secret Garden. Please put it on your set list (with Never Any Good).

[rickmorrow]

Your guitar work on this cover is masterful.

[bobandrayfan]

Excellent song. Great pair of CDs! It just arrived today with a thank you note from you. Thanks very much Martin!! Best to you and yours!

[seanmurphy]

BESTEST VERSIONS OF A BRILLIANT SONG ❤

[lynnbrewer]

one of the first songs i ever heard, in my top 10 of beautiful lyrics

[goodun]

This isn't a song about "blues" so much as it is a song about *depression*. The darkness of the subject is intentionally belied by the cheerful musical accompaniment, in much the same way as the Everly Brothers sang Bye Bye Love as an upbeat pop-song (try the David Lindley and ElRayo-X version for a melancholy, world-weary alternate take) .

Regarding depression, John Hiatt wrote these lyrics: " you can't run away from The Nagging Dark / it's there with you everywhere, it's in your heart / it finishes everything that you start / oh you can't run away from The Nagging

[DavidMumfordMusic]

Lovely version of this song. Poor old Jackson Frank :(

[roymward]

I recall Martin discussing 'Blues Run The Game' at a workshop, I think two years ago, where he expressed discomfort at certain aspects of the song, I think in relation to the lyric. Well, he has certainly worked his way through any doubts with this recording which is in all aspects magnificent. An interesting arrangement with subtle ornamentation and a fine vocal delivery. I am very much looking forward to his live solo version.

[drbobperkins]

Nice guitar. Pedal steel is a fresh take. This song, being a folk song, is very lightly produced by everyone. I’d love to hear it fully produced with strings and bass and full harmonies.

[elgolondrima]

Beautiful ! Can't wait to buy martins new album !

[ChrisMay_Music]

absolutely great Martin! thanks so much for yourmusic your countless inspirations on playing the guitar and in music!!!

[zootszabo]

great cover lives Bert Jansch's too

[bigtorrisi]

There is a purity to a guy and his acoustic, especially if you have the talent this Scunthorpe, steel town lad has. This really is the zenith of finger picking, acoustic lyrical guitar.