MARTIN Simpson, one of the world's premier acoustic guitarists, a powerful songwriter and a fine singer, is to come to Stroud this week.

His playing is instantly recognisable and revered among guitar fans. His body of work is diverse, encompassing all types of traditional and acoustic music.

This has been recognised with awards including BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2004 Musician of the Year (2004) and Best Instrumentalist and Best Album (2000).

His latest CD Kind Letters was released in 2005 to great critical acclaim.

He is joined by melodeon player Andy Cutting, who has been described as a 'musician's musician,' and is without doubt a technically outstanding player with an ear for a fine tune.

Andy has been a consistent musical force since he came swiftly to prominence with the innovative Blowzabella, and has played with the likes of Sting, Chumbawamba and Kate Rusby.

The show takes place at The Space, Lansdown, Stroud on Wednesday, November 29 at 8pm.

Tickets, priced £10, are available from Stroud tourist information office.