Search - Martin Simpson :: Cool & Unusual

Brilliant technique etc.

alw9 | 03/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a fan of brilliant technique and innovative styling on acoustic guitar, and enjoy a combination of roots music, blues, and celtic tunes, you'd be well-advised to buy this cd. This is not a quirky blend: I find it a sensible mix. After all, much of bluegrass music is heavily derived from the music of celtic immigrants. Blues is a derivation of another foreign import. This is an instrumental album. I have heard him sing, and his voice is not to my taste, so I prefer this aspect. I like every selection on this cd. If the qualifications above apply to you, you will, too!"

A desert island CD

John Hasbrouck | Chicago, IL USA | 07/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since I acquired Cool & Unusual about 5 years ago, I've played it more than 99% of my record collection, which contains hundreds of titles. This statement is the best recommendation I can give to own this cd.As I sit down to write this review, it occurs to me that I've never bothered to read the liner notes, which, as I glance at them now, seem as though they might be quite interesting. But that doesn't matter, because I doubt that the notes could make me like this record more than I already do.I learned to love C&U when I brought it in a few years ago to my workplace - a bookshop - and put it in heavy rotation on the stereo. When I finally brought it home, I found that I needed to dim the lights and sit still whenever I played it. This is because it is extremely contemplative while at the same time very intelligent.I often play it when a friend is over and we've run out of words after a long conversation but are still enjoying each others' company. I've also put it on while playing chess.I'm well aware that this is a highly subjective review that doesn't necessarily perform the function of describing the cd. I leave that to the editorial reviewers. Let's just say that there is much improvisational ensemble music here, as well as some wonderful fingerstyle and bottleneck guitar solos. The key word here is subtlety - in technique as well as expressiveness. The cd is also beautifully recorded. Most of my cds I only listen to a few times. I can't imagine ever growing tired of this one."

Tired of the radio? This cd is a MUST for you! Try it out!

sunshinebreezes | Denver, Colorado | 03/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've only had the opportunity to see Martin Simpson perform live just once, at a small pub in Milwaukee by the name of Shank Hall, but being just a few feet away from him & witnessing his flawless fret work left me speechless & spellbound. He is skilled beyond words both in his guitar playing & songwriting and that rainy night in Milwaukee is by far one of the BEST concert experiences I have ever had the opportunity to witness. WOW! This cd is such a strong staple in my collection, it would be at the very top of any desert island pick for me - not only is it both soothing & comforting (we often listen to it at night by the fireplace & boy do the textures, tones & rhythms of this cd compliment the flames flickering before my eyes - buy this cd & get yourself in front of a crackling fire & you'll see what I mean!) I always discover something new here within these songs. They linger in my soul & touch & move me to a degree that is difficult if not impossible to describe. All of these tracks are instrumentals, which makes it extremely easy to listen to when you don't want to be distracted by vocals or lyrics, and are instead just in the mood for pure melody & exquisite mood - I find this music to be fresh & pure & soulful & exotic - this cd transports me to other lands as soon as I hit the play button & start with track one until the last track and I couldn't be more delighted with this addictive & euphoric escape. An absolute MUST for anyone who is tired of the radio and looking for something with substance!"