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.

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