Met Martin about 15 years ago at a Martin Gtr symposium where he performed this song. One of the more memorable moments of my life. Thanks millions for posting this. He's truly one of the most underrated musicians on the planet.
Was tooling around looking for a recording of Tom Paxton's "Icarus" and found this. Not sure which I should or compliment more, the wonderful, masterful guitar, that voice with that lovely brogue, or and cannot say less for those lyrics. I have copied this link and sent it to friends for I am a musician only wishing to achieve this kind of performance. So just "WOW" and THANK YOU.
Sublime, as always. Fun to see a younger Martin Simpson,too! Thanks for the post. I've seen him live twice, and each concert was memorable beyond words. A true master of the guitar!
I have a $2000 tattoo on my back dedicated to this song. There is no other song that moves me so much. More than words can say or show, more than you'll ever know.
I was a student of his in '86 when he was living with his wife and kids in Mortlake, West London. He gave me his copy of Sad or High Kicking LP to borrow... I wish I had kept it ;-) But later I got my own copy.
As always with Nic, it's his underrated vocals that carry the day. His voice wipes the floor with Martin's here, I'm sorry to say. Nic comes down hard on the final chord of the repeated sequence, and then pauses, emphasising the lyrics "you found out how [bang]... it could be done" "like some bird of glory" next to this, Martin's version flows past a little too easily. But I haven't heard Ann Lister's version. In fact, until just now, I hadn't heard of Ann Lister. Recommendations?
petebeech Anne Lister wrote it, performed it first on the Fellside vinyl 'Burnt Feathers' recorded with another forgotten name, singer by the duo Anonyma. MARTIN SIMPSON was guitarist on that album. If you can locate Anne she still has copies of the vinyl and it's a super record, well worth having.
There's certainly room enough for lot's of interpretations of such a cool song. I for one would love to hear Willie Nelson do it. Or perhaps Richard Thompson. It's too bad it's not know better.
So far, it's the only version I'm familiar with. I guess I've got some listening to do, and some searching! BTW, I actually have this - on an LP! Boy, am I showing my age.
edo deweert It’s five years since your comment on this Martin Simpson version of Icarus,and I hope you’re still around. I’ve only just read the TH-cam comments. The version Martin does with his first wife, Jessica, is on the album Red Roses. I believe it’s still available. But the, after five years, you’ve probably found that out! My CD copy is on the Rhiannon label. RHYD5001
Hi I would like to receive too Nic Jones version of this song. I have many Mp3 files of Nic's songs recorded in Italy that I sent to his wife. Then she has been able to made a CD title " In serch of" . Hope tio hear from you Stefyred
Just listened again and while Martin's arrangement might be good his singing leaves something to be desired. Simpson is a good guitar player but he tries to wring every drop of emotion out of the song emphasizing phrases in a most exaggerated way while Nic Jones lets the power of the song come through more subtly without coaxing. Just my opinion. I'm not too crazy about Ann's version either and she wrote the darn thing!
Absolute perfection. The most beautiful rendition of this song that I have ever heard.
And such a lukewarm audience :(
Met Martin about 15 years ago at a Martin Gtr symposium where he performed this song. One of the more memorable moments of my life. Thanks millions for posting this. He's truly one of the most underrated musicians on the planet.
Beautiful song and performance
Was tooling around looking for a recording of Tom Paxton's "Icarus" and found this. Not sure which I should or compliment more, the wonderful, masterful guitar, that voice with that lovely brogue, or and cannot say less for those lyrics. I have copied this link and sent it to friends for I am a musician only wishing to achieve this kind of performance. So just "WOW" and THANK YOU.
Every time I listen a hundred times over it’s better than the last just love this version of a magic song .
Sublime, as always. Fun to see a younger Martin Simpson,too! Thanks for the post. I've seen him live twice, and each concert was memorable beyond words. A true master of the guitar!
One of the best songs ever written. Thank you!
I have a $2000 tattoo on my back dedicated to this song. There is no other song that moves me so much. More than words can say or show, more than you'll ever know.
I have searched for years for this ! Thank you so much. The perfect performance of a perfect song.
I also have searched for years for this and now I've found it! And bought an album, so I never lose it again.
Great job on a wonderful tune! Loved your take on it. Beautiful!
Great song...Genius version, heard Nic, Ann and Martin's, been playing 30 years...My opinions, martin's arrangement surpasses all. nough said!!
Beautiful
even when he tunes its sweet, long live the aucustic guitar
beautiful
I was a student of his in '86 when he was living with his wife and kids in Mortlake, West London. He gave me his copy of Sad or High Kicking LP to borrow... I wish I had kept it ;-) But later I got my own copy.
My favorite! Thanks for posting this!
Beautiful.
The BEST version
@chrissuddes it's on NIc Jones; Unearthed Disc 1, Molly Music. Buy the the album you won't regret it...
God bless Martin Simpson.
As always with Nic, it's his underrated vocals that carry the day. His voice wipes the floor with Martin's here, I'm sorry to say. Nic comes down hard on the final chord of the repeated sequence, and then pauses, emphasising the lyrics
"you found out how [bang]... it could be done"
"like some bird of glory"
next to this, Martin's version flows past a little too easily.
But I haven't heard Ann Lister's version. In fact, until just now, I hadn't heard of Ann Lister. Recommendations?
petebeech Anne Lister wrote it, performed it first on the Fellside vinyl 'Burnt Feathers' recorded with another forgotten name, singer by the duo Anonyma. MARTIN SIMPSON was guitarist on that album. If you can locate Anne she still has copies of the vinyl and it's a super record, well worth having.
There's certainly room enough for lot's of interpretations of such a cool song. I for one would love to hear Willie Nelson do it. Or perhaps Richard Thompson. It's too bad it's not know better.
So far, it's the only version I'm familiar with. I guess I've got some listening to do, and some searching! BTW, I actually have this - on an LP! Boy, am I showing my age.
Search Anne Lister.
That 'e' in Anne makes a big difference. ; ]
the abolute best verion of this song ever is the one martin simpson sings with jessica.
search high and low, i cannot find that one in cuberspace.
Search Anne Lister. She wrote it and seldom gets a credit. She sings with beauty and great feeling. Have a listen.
edo deweert It’s five years since your comment on this Martin Simpson version of Icarus,and I hope you’re still around. I’ve only just read the TH-cam comments. The version Martin does with his first wife, Jessica, is on the album Red Roses. I believe it’s still available. But the, after five years, you’ve probably found that out! My CD copy is on the Rhiannon label. RHYD5001
Hi I would like to receive too Nic Jones version of this song. I have many Mp3 files of Nic's songs recorded in Italy that I sent to his wife. Then she has been able to made a CD title " In serch of" . Hope tio hear from you
Stefyred
Great song. Nice version. But the greatest version by far is the one by Nic Jones.
Martin is the best guitarist imo..
@petebeech flame in avalon is annes best, drop me a message and i will sent it on
Just listened again and while Martin's arrangement might be good his singing leaves something to be desired. Simpson is a good guitar player but he tries to wring every drop of emotion out of the song emphasizing phrases in a most exaggerated way while Nic Jones lets the power of the song come through more subtly without coaxing. Just my opinion. I'm not too crazy about Ann's version either and she wrote the darn thing!
A celebration of failure. How very British.
How very misinformed.
@@lynneceegee8726 At least we Brits are humbler than some others in this world!