Classically trained on both the guitar and piano, Simon Kempston has been writing songs from an early age. Simon’s original, distinctive guitar playing is founded upon a complex, finger-picking style steeped in the history of the folk, blues and celtic traditions and is complemented by a rich baritone vocal.A prolific, engaging songwriter and an inspiring, poetic lyricist, Simon’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, has also influenced many of his lyrics.However, it is in live performance that Simon’s true passion for music shines through. A powerful and intense live performer Simon has previously had the good fortune to support, amongst others, acts like Martin Simpson, Archie Fisher, Martin Stephenson and Steve Tilston. Within the past year, Simon has also performed in a variety of esteemed venues and festivals across Scotland including a string of dates at the world famous St. Giles Cathedral at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Cabaret Voltaire, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Celtic Connections), various Students Unions (Dundee/St Andrews/Edinburgh), the Edinburgh Folk Club and the Byre Theatre in St Andrews.The first four songs on this page feature both Simon & Edinburgh based violinist Rosie Hunter and were recorded in December 2007 at Offbeat Studios, Edinburgh. After selling out a series of three EPs Simon will be recoding and releasing a full-length album in 2009 with the talented ensemble of musicians he has assembled, which they will also be touring.
