Glenn Kimpton
Glenn Kimpton is a freelance writer based in the west of England. His interest in English folk music came through players like Chris Wood and Martin Carthy, who also steered him towards alternate guitar tunings. From there, the solo acoustic instrumental genre, sometimes called American Primitive, became more important, with guitarists like Jack Rose, Glenn Jones and Robbie Basho eventually giving way to more contemporary players like William Tyler and Nick Jonah Davis. Most recently, Glenn has focused on a more improvised and experimental side to solo acoustic playing, both through his writing and his own music, with players like Bill Orcutt and Tashi Dorji being particularly significant.
Latest articles by Glenn Kimpton
Marisa Anderson on the art of improvisation versus composition and the everlasting allure of a sustaining electric guitar
By Glenn Kimpton published
The Portland, Oregon instrumentalist returns with Still, Here, and unpacks her approach to writing socially conscious guitar music
Brad Barr: “I love cardboard guitars, man, and plastic instruments have a whole unique sound to them”
By Glenn Kimpton published
For Brad Barr, the guitar doesn't just have to sound nice – it has to feel nice. Here, he unpacks his improvisational folk and blues-rock sound and identifies Angus Young as his North Star
Laura Veirs on how she took overdriven riot grrrl electrics into the realm of nylon-string country blues
By Glenn Kimpton published
The prolific recording artist – and children’s author – discusses her guitar playing and songwriting sensibility, evolving from DIY punk to encompass country blues fingerstyle and myriad other influences
Charlie Parr: “If I get to touch the strings and play a little lick and make some sounds, everything else is gravy”
By Glenn Kimpton published
The Minnesota blues legend joins us, with a beautiful Mule Resophonic guitar in hand, and explains why playing guitar is something he does without fail every day
10 essential Gibson SG albums
By Glenn Kimpton published
The solidbody double-cut with the instantly recognizable silhoeutte has graced some of the greatest recordings of all time
12 essential UK instrumental guitar folk albums
By Glenn Kimpton published
Featuring John Renbourn, Gwenifer Raymond and a host of acoustic artists old and new
Nick Jonah Davis: “It’s easy to just say, ‘I’m going to be weird,’ and then stick some things on the guitar, but I need the listener’s trust before I get weird”
By Glenn Kimpton published
The latest album from Derbyshire guitarist Nick Jonah Davis, When The Sun Came, was recorded in a church and released just before lockdown – and it could well be his finest yet
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