A gifted and influential guitarist, banjoist, singer, and songwriter, Martin Simpson is one of the most visible examples of the relationship between the traditional folk music of the United Kingdom and American roots music. Simpson's life reflects this journey. Born in England, he moved to the United States in the late '80s. After recording several Celtic folk-leaning solo albums and collaborating with British folk-rock legends like June Tabor and the Albion Band, the move allowed him to absorb the unique forms of guitar playing in the U.S., where has continued to record, both as a collaborator and as an acclaimed solo artist, with lauded efforts like 2007's Prodigal Son, 2011's Purpose & Grace, and 2024's Skydancers combining various folk traditions with virtuosic musicianship.