Simon Kempston, ‘one of Scotland’s best songwriters’ (The Sunday Herald) and leading fingerstyle guitarists, will be performing at TOSH on Sunday, Sept. 17.
Kempston’s 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 and is complemented by his rich, powerful and compelling clipped vocal style.
An award-winning songwriter and an inspiring, poetic lyricist, Kempston’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, 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.
A powerful and intense live performer, his true passion for music and song shines through in his acclaimed shows. Having performed at scores of esteemed venues and festivals in 27 European countries and Canada, Kempston has also performed live on BBC Radio Stations across the U.K., and increasingly on continental music radio stations.
His first full-length album, Carefree Prisoner, was released in November 2009 to rave reviews nationwide by the music press and radio stations alike. Five further successful and acclaimed albums later, Kempston has embraced a range of different instrumentation and styles, whilst retaining his undeniable gift for creating songs of the highest quality. He’s also released two albums of instrumental guitar pieces, atmospheric offerings influenced heavily by his classical guitar training but also blending the folk-blues-baroque style for which he has become known, and also regularly tours as Man Gone Missing, an alternative blues act with which he has composed, recorded and released two critically acclaimed albums.
Kempston’s latest album, which sees him reignite his relationship with Ian McCalman as producer is his best, most poetic, most diverse and engaging collection of songs yet. The album is entitled Vanishing Act and was released in January 2017, and features superb, complementing instrumentation from Adam Sutherland, William Archibald and Bob Miller. Simon’s sheer talent for songwriting of the highest order shines through on, and have justifiably seen his talent frequently compared with, amongst others, John Martyn, Nick Drake and Bert Jansch.
Immerse yourself in the soundscape of this incredibly talented performer and allow his beautifully crafted folk-tinged songs to transport you on a uniquely Scottish journey.
The performance takes place Sunday, Sept. 17 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Asmission is $18. Reservations are recommended.
— Courtesy TOSH