I play in a wide range of styles. I'm known for my composition and performance of beautiful 'celtic' acoustic guitar pieces and intricate arrangements of songs. I'm also gradually expanding a repertoire of my own songs.
I play 'celtic guitar' pieces, a couple of my own songs, rhythm guitar as accompanist to my own tunes, guitar arrangements of trad. tunes (mostly from Ireland), my own arrangements of traditional English and Irish songs and of great contemporary songwriters (Maggie Holland, Richard Thompson, Huw Williams, Sting .... ), a bit of flamenco and the usual classical repertoire.
In live performance:
“... his ‘guest’ appearance was another success. A very fine guitarist, much influenced in his style by his early classical tuition he has now developed a unique style with great range of technique and sublime and very impressive use of harmonics. He can drive his playing along at a fine pace when needed, as demonstrated in various instrumentals. ... Simon is also a good judge of fine songs. He did an unusual version of ‘Spencer the Rover’, Maggie Holland’s ‘A Place called England’ an excellent self penned song ‘Stainless and Cold Pressed Steel’ a boat maker song and associated self composed tune ‘Sailing the Ice’. A highlight for me was the excellent Huw Williams’ song ‘Rosemary’s Sister’ beautifully performed. Terrific performances ... “ John Chambers - Second Time Around Folk Club.
I'm also the founder member and main composer for the group tangata (also at MySpace) who play " ... a vibrant take on European folk and roots traditions and a nice line in world-influenced, jazz-inflected Celtic tunesmithery (and songs)†(from fROOTS magazine).
I've got a load of music written which I've just started recording. So if you like what's here now friend up and I'll let you know when new tracks can be heard.
NEW CD "SAILING THE ICE" NOW AVAILABLE.
"First solo disc from the leader the eclectic Tangata gang. An engrossing selection of songs and satisfyingly virtuoso self-penned instrumentals (influences from Renbourn and Martyn to flamenco). The songs include a Carthyesque trad. arr, some thoughful covers and respectable originals. Classy help from Beth Noble and Steafan Hannigan, among others." -fROOTS June 2008.
"I'm a huge fan of the music of Freddie Phillips, best known for the music for Trumpton, Camberwick Green and Chigley. Simon Jackson's guitar style reminded me very much of that, almost whimsical and enchanting sound. He sprinkles instrumentals through the album and blends them with songs, both self penned and adapted from the likes of Maggie Holland and Huw Williams. Like a lot of folk tales, including his take on "Coals On The Devil's Hearth", there is a darker side to the songs that is often at odds with the deceptively simple melodies that support them. An impressive debut." - FATEA.com
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You can download an INFORMATION "1 SHEET" HERE
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You can also download the album or get individual tracks from any of these: