Church to host one of country’s leading young songwriters
Acoustic night at Stonelaw Parish Church
Stonelaw Parish Church’s latest acoustic night will welcome one of Scotland’s best young songwriters at its next gig.
Simon Kempston will place at the Meeting Place on May 29.
He is one of the country’s leading fingerstyle guitarists, whose original, distinctive guitar playing is founded upon a complex, finger-picking style which technically reveals his classical training yet is steeped in the history of the folk, blues and Celtic traditions.
These are complemented by Simon’s rich, powerful and compelling clipped vocal style.
An award-winning songwriter and an inspiring, poetic lyricist, Simon’s songs are thought-provoking, 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, have also influenced many of his lyrics.
Fascinations with architecture and English literature from a young age have further helped in the development of his unique lyrical style.
Simon is a powerful and intense live performer, and his true passion for music and song shines through in his acclaimed shows. Having performed at scores of esteemed venues and festivals all over Europe, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (sell-out shows in 2010, 2011 and 2013), the Maryport Blues Festival, the Glasgow Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s, Celtic Connections, Sligo Live and Fairport Convention’s Cropredy Festival amongst many others.
In addition to his many and varied headline shows across Europe, Simon has also appeared on bills with many of the leading artists working today in roots music, including Robert Cray, Hayseed Dixie, Martin Simpson, Dave Swarbrick, Dervish, Phil Cunningham and Archie Fisher to again name just a few. Simon has also performed live on BBC radio stations across the UK, as well as other local and specialist music radio stations.
Simon’s first fulllength album Carefree Prisoner was released in November 2009 to rave reviews nationwide by radio stations and the music press alike. His much anticipated followup, the stripped back Impasse was released in summer 2011, to similar acclaim.
Summer 2012 brought the third album How We Once Were, reuniting the successful relationship from his debut with strings arranger Adam Nash and producer Ian Mc Ca lm a n . Simon’s sheer talent for songwriting of the highest order shines through on all three records, which have justifiably seen Simon frequently compared with amongst others John Martyn, Nick Drake and Bert Jansch.
Simon’s fourth album, which sees him reignite his relationship with Ian McCalman as producer The album is entitled A Fine Line and was released in winter 2013.
Simon wi l l b e supported by The Mairs Family band and others, for what promises to be another great night.
The gig starts at 7.30pm, in Stonelaw Church. Tea and coffee with home baking are included in the entry fee of a £5 donation, and children go free.