Last updated 11:38, Friday, 04 July 2008

HE is said to be one of the finest acoustic finger-style and slide guitarists in the world.

Martin Simpson: Playing the Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven

And Martin Simpson is coming to Rosehill Theatre – so you will be able to hear for yourself.

His album – Prodigal Son – BBC was Radio Two’s Folk Awards Album of the Year.

He has also appeared on BBC TV’s Later With Jools Holland, where he performed ‘Duncan & Brady’ and was hugged by Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood.

Martin was nominated for no less than five BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in the categories Folk Singer of the Year, Best Album, Best Traditional Track (“Andrew Lammie”), Musician of the Year and Best Original Song (Never Any Good).

At the awards ceremony in February he carried off two awards – for Best Album and Best Original Track.

Martin has also guested on BBC Radio Two’s Aled Jones Good Morning Sunday and Mike Harding’s Celtic Connections special.

He has also guested on Simon Mayo’s Five Live programme.

Many of Martin's good friends and favourite artists appeared with him on Prodigal Son, including Jackson Browne, who added a harmony vocal to Martin's version of Randy Newman's, Louisiana 1927.

Kate Rusby and Kellie While also sang harmonies on two of the tracks.

Born in Lincolnshire, Martin is performing at Rosehill Theatre on Friday, July 18, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £14/£13, telephone 01946 692422.