About ‘Carefree Prisoner’:

‘Intelligent, passionate and highly original.’
fROOTS magazine

‘This collection of 12 songs penned by the classically trained Dundonian – delicately beautiful melodies, strikingly politicised lyrics – is transformed by Adam Nash’s arrangements which set Kempston’s voice and intricately picked guitar against finely woven backdrops of violin and cello. The result is so unique, so consistent, so complete that Carefree Prisoner sounds more like a unified song cycle than what normally passes for a singer-songwriter’s latest album.’
Alan Morrison, The Sunday Herald

‘From the cello to the well picked acoustic guitar and clipped vocal style it’s all there. Thought provoking lyrics coupled with beautifully crafted songs make this a beguiling album.’
Rick Fulton, The Daily Record

‘Beautiful songs’
James McKeefry, BBC Radio Leicester

‘A battered, ancient woodland of rhythms, accompany weeping strings and softly spoken acoustic guitars. The rousing, blood-pumping ‘Barricade’, marching melancholy that is ‘The Bleeding Mile’ and confidently beautiful ‘Sternest of Frowns’ are all memorable moments, making Carefree Prisoner a shimmering release which captures part of the Celtic and traditional rock genres and instantly personalises them. Scottish routes poke through, creating a beautifully sparse landscape which the listener can continually use to reflect and brood upon.’
Gary Munday, Acoustic Magazine

‘Very nice album – we really enjoyed it’
The Durbervilles, BBC Radio Leeds

About Simon’s music:

‘A celtic explosion of guitar and voice addressing contemporary and historical social and political issues in an incisive, uniquely melodic way.’
The Scotsman

‘Demonstrating his abilities as a skilled political songwriter, Kempston’s songs subtly address the country’s changing social climate while avoiding the trap of being mawkish or insincere. Instead, he is warm, earnest and open in his delivery, his baritone voice complementing his distinctive blues finger-plucking style perfectly. It is this virtuosity and honesty which makes his performance so utterly engaging, a melodious voyage into the Scottish psyche.’
Three Weeks

‘This being the year of Homecoming, the likes of Kempston should be congratulated for resisting the brand of folk emanating from the popular London clique and reinvigorating Scottish musical identity.’
The Journal

‘This young Dundonian is now carving a successful career as a political singer-songwriter’
The Courier – featured article

‘A prolific songwriter, influenced as much by world affairs as affairs of the heart, his live performance is as intense and brooding as his material. Scotland has a fine tradition of singer/songwriters who will stand up and be counted, add one more to the list.’
FATEA magazine