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 |
 |
Grant Gordy and Joe K. Walsh: “Flop-Eared Mule”Peghead Nation guitar and mandolin instructors play a fun old-time tune in the Peghead Parlor at Wintergrass 2026. Read More |
 |
John Reischman, Joe K. Walsh, and Eli West: “The Road to Malvern”A two-mandolin take on an old-time tune, played in the Peghead Parlor at Wintergrass. Read More |
 |
Matt Munisteri and Joe K. Walsh: “Kentucky Waltz”Peghead Nation instructors play a jazz-infused duo version of a classic Bill Monroe waltz. Read More |
 |
Mike Witcher, John Reischman, Bill Evans, Chad Manning, Jim Nunally, and Mark Schatz: “Dobro Country”The California Bluegrass Reunion band plays a Tut Taylor classic at the Peghead Nation 10th Anniversary Showcase. Read More |
 |
Alisa Rose with Scott Nygaard, Jesse Appelman, and Mark Schatz: “Jill’s Waltz”Peghead Nation fiddle instructor plays an original tune at our 10th Anniversary Showcase. Read More |
 |
John Reischman, Bill Evans, Chad Manning, Mike Witcher, Jim Nunally, and Mark Schatz: “Little Pine Siskin”The California Bluegrass Reunion band plays a John Reischman original tune at the Peghead Nation 10th Anniversary Party. Read More |
