Nobody's Fault but Mine

Released in 1986 on Dambuster Records, 'Nobody's Fault but Mine' represents a pivotal moment in Martin Simpson's discography, showcasing his transition into a world-class instrumentalist. While Simpson had already established himself in the British folk scene, this album solidified his reputation as a unique stylist capable of synthesizing English and Irish traditional music with American roots and blues. The record is almost entirely instrumental, a departure from some of his more vocal-heavy folk contemporaries, placing the focus squarely on his virtuoso fingerstyle and slide techniques. Recorded with a dry, intimate production style, the album captures the physical nuances of his playing. It features a mix of traditional arrangements and a few key covers, notably Skip James's 'Hard Time Killing Floor,' which highlights Simpson's deep affinity for the haunting tonalities of the Delta blues. Critically, it is regarded as a landmark in acoustic guitar music, often cited by guitarists for its technical precision and soulful interpretation of cross-cultural themes.