Martin Simpson: “In the Hills of Shiloh”
The renowned guitarist plays a Shel Silverstein song on a Sobell banjola, with Amy Smith on harmony vocals.
Whether playing acoustic guitar or banjo, Martin Simpson’s musical voice is rich, authentic, and immediately recognizable. He has influenced guitarists worldwide with his powerful interpretations of British, Irish, and American traditional tunes and songs, as well as an impressive catalog of his own original songs.
During our recent visit to Sheffield, England, Martin kindly spent some time with us in his home studio, playing tunes and showing some of his extensive instrument collection. In this video, Martin plays his Stefan Sobell banjola (with a mandola body and a 5-string banjo neck) on the Shel Silverstein song “In the Hills of Shiloh.” He is joined by the singer Amy Smith on harmony vocals.
Silverstein wrote the song in the early 1960s, and it was first recorded by the New Christy Minstrels in 1963, and subsequently by Judy Collins, Bobby Bare, June Tabor, and many others.
Watch for more video from our visit on Peghead Nation, and learn more about Martin at MartinSimpson.com.
Related Back Room Posts
Sierra Ferrell: “I’d Do It Again” | Thompson GuitarsThe talented singer-songwriter plays an original song live in the Thompson Guitars shop. Read More |
Martin Simpson: “Trouble Brought Me Here”The renowned guitarist plays an original song in his Sheffield, England, studio with Amy Smith on harmony vocals. Read More |
Bill Evans, Dan Crary, and Steve Spurgin: “A Walk in the Irish Rain”Peghead Nation banjo instructor Bill Evans plays backstage at the Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse with two bluegrass legends. Read More |
Claire Lynch Band, “How Many Moons”Claire Lynch and her band perform live backstage at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, California, in 2014. Read More |
Mr Sun: “Blackbird” | Peghead Nation ExclusiveThe virtuosic four-piece that includes Peghead instructors Joe K. Walsh and Grant Gordy showcases their playful arrangement of a Beatles classic. Read More |
David Grier: “Have You Ever Been to England?”The flatpicking master plays one of his original tunes during the IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival. Read More |
Sam Bush: “In Tall Buildings”Peghead Nation's Contemporary Bluegrass Banjo instructor Wes Corbett joins Sam Bush on a classic John Hartford song. Read More |
Scott Nygaard: “Where to Now?” | 25th Anniversary of “Dreamer’s Waltz”Join us as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Peghead Nation co-founder Scott Nygaard’s influential solo album, Wednesday, May 25 on Zoom. Read More |
Bruce Molsky: “Boogie Woogie Dance”Our Old-Time Fiddle and Old-Time Banjo instructor plays a fun tune off of his new all-guitar album. Read More |
Mr Sun: ”Farewell Trion”The virtuosic string band plays an old-time favorite during the Wintergrass Festival. Read More |