"Martin Simpson is not a man to sit still for very long. Undoubtedly one of the hardest-touring musicians on the UK folk/roots circuit, he also averages a brand new studio album almost every two years. 'Skydancers,' his 15th full length record for Topic since 1992, comes hot on the heels of last year's guest-packed collaboration with the American producer/guitarist, Thomm Jutz, 'Nothing But Green Willow : The Songs of Mary Sands and Jane Gentry.' Recorded by Tim Wright and Andy Bell in Simpson's hometown of Sheffield, 'Skydancers' collects new, Simpson-penned originals alongside 18th century broadside ballads and reverent reworkings from the songbooks of, amongst others, Woody Guthrie, Nancy Kerr, June Tabor and Craig Johnson. 'Skydancers'' title track, commissioned by TV presenter and naturalist, Chris Packham, highlights the plight of the endangered Hen Harrier – ornithology, a keen interest of Simpson's. Elsewhere he narrates the life and times of Billy Waters, a black, peg-legged man who became famous busking in London in the nineteenth century. 'Roger's Cascade' is a very personal, jaunty, 5-string banjo homage to master instrument craftsman, Roger Bucknall. Simpson is joined on 'Skydancers' by American pedal steel maestro, Greg Leisz, Andy Cutting on diatonic accordion, Louis Campbell on guitars, Liz Hanks on cello, Ben Nicholls on string bass and a wealth of backing singers.
Release date:
April 12, 2024
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Tombs Feral Darkness
Redefining Darkness
October 24, 2025 -
Barren Path Grieving
Willowtip
October 31, 2025 -
Badge Epoch Furry Worried Ape
Telephone Explosion Records
December 5, 2025 -
Kali Malone Magnetism
Ideologic Organ
November 7, 2025 -
Alan Parsons Project I Robot (Super Deluxe Edition Box Set) [2xLP]
Cooking Vinyl
October 17, 2025 -
Stay Inside Lunger (Yellow Glitter)
Tiny Engines
October 31, 2025 -
Ludovico Einaudi & Leo Einaudi Einaudi V Einaudi
Decca UK
October 24, 2025 -
Edenbridge Set the Dark on Fire [2xLP]
Steamhammer
January 16, 2026 -
Armand Hammer & Alchemist Mercy
Rhymesayers
November 7, 2025 -
PRESIDENT King Of Terrors (White)
King Of Terrors
November 14, 2025 -
Grizzly Bear Painted Ruins (Oxblood) [2xLP]
Warp Records
October 31, 2025 -
Original Broadway Cast of Just In Time Jonathan Groff Just In Time
Atlantic
November 28, 2025 -
Ink & Dagger Drive This Steak Through My Philadelphia Heart
Trust Records
November 21, 2025 -
The Rolling Stones Black and Blue Super Deluxe [6xLP]
Interscope
November 14, 2025