Purpose + Grace [CD]

Purpose & Grace takes its very apposite title from the great American songwriter Yip Harburg (composer of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", "Brother Can You Spare A Dime" and "Only A Paper Moon"). "I am one of the last of a small tribe of troubadours who still believe that life is a beautiful and exciting journey with a purpose and grace well worth singing about." The album marks a bold and confident step for Simpson. Building upon the strengths of "Prodigal Son" and "True Stories", like a movie producer, he conceived the whole project over a number of months and then invited some of his favourite musicians to bring their stellar talents to the recording sessions. These friends which include: Jon Boden, B J Cole, Dick Gaughan, Fay Hield, Will Pound, June Tabor and Richard Thompson join Martin's regular band - Andy Cutting, Andy Seward and Keith Angel - on an exemplary series of performances.