Steve Tilston Quotes | the recordings
Such Times (2021)
“Such Times is an album of great authority, musical diversity and consummate skill. Like a good late vintage port, Steve Tilston really does seem to improve with age.” Folk Radio UK
When listening to a new album from a favourite artist it can be easy to go looking for the familiar. Well, on this album the familiar comes with the expected virtuoso guitar playing and a voice that is as strong and clear as ever, but the songs will take you in some different directions and leave you in no doubt how Steve feels about today's world. There is a lot here to enjoy. Phil Thomas, Fatea Magazine
Distant Days (2018)
A solo acoustic retrospective - Steve reworks some of his most treasured self-penned songs, offering a unique insight into his musical journey since the early 1970s.
“In a similar vein to Richard Thompson’s Acoustic Classics is Steve Tilston’s 19-strong set of revisited songs going as far back in his career as An Acoustic Confusion. Unsurprisingly this solo project is impeccably played and sang with the lack of ornamentation giving the songs plenty of room to breath and lending a simplicity that harks back to Tilston’s days touring the old folk clubs with Bert Jansch and Maggie Boyle. Also effective are the previously unreleased instrumental nuggets place throughout the set like interludes, adding texture by shifting the focus from vocal to guitar lines.” **** Glenn Kimpton, Songlines
“A more conventional, warm summer treat is Steve Tilston’s lovely Distant Days, a welcome solo acoustic retrospective of his wide, whole-hearted career.” Jude Rogers, The Guardian
“…succeeds in so many ways: it allows Steve to revisit his back catalogue in a new way; it points us to songs that perhaps we’ve forgotten or not heard before and provides excellent listening in doing so.” Dai Jeffries, Folking.com
“…is something very special …hearing these songs performed once again in the context of a mature singer all these years later is a joyful thing …another confirmation that this songwriter just keeps on giving.” Allan Wilkinson, Northern Sky (Album of the Month)
“…has the effect of refreshing your love for the music of Steve Tilston, seeking out the originals from your collection and tracking down those CDs you don't yet own.” Ian Cripps, Fatea Magazine
Truth to Tell (2015)
“Both voice and musicianship are, needless to say, impeccable.” R2 *****
“…still making good music… Truth to Tell has some sparkling songs…” The Telegraph ***
“Steve Tilston shows no sign of faulting on delivering class music that is at once timeless, intelligent and built to last.” Northern Sky Magazine ****
“Classy, thoughtful, folk… I suspect Lennon would have approved.” The Guardian ****
“Classy work.” The Observer ***
“…another tour de force from one of the finest songsmiths and guitarists that the folk scene has produced over the last 40 odd years.” Folk Radio UK
Happenstance (2013)
“…is this year’s feel-good album.” R2 ****
“...great stuff...great fun, wonderful playing and top songs, what more do you want from an evening.” Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2
“…a fine and thoughtful songwriter and singer and remarkable guitarist.” The Guardian****
“Brilliant stuff!” Mike Harding
“…an artist still very much at the top of his game.” Living Tradition
The Reckoning (2011)
“A great narrator on top form.” The Observer ****
“…dominated by Tilston’s exquisite guitar work.” The Guardian ****
“…songs of great heart, delivered with authority and instrumental panache.” The Scotsman ****
“…yet another excellent album...” Maverick ****
“…proudly accomplished and gloriously strong new offering from this most consistent of our contemporary song-smiths …who just can’t seem to put a finger wrong.” fROOTS
And a selection of quotes from previous releases…
“…it’s a testament to his skill as a songwriter that he’s still penning such memorable songs.” Acoustic magazine
“By the time Tilston's intoxicating voice kicked in I was hooked.” Maverick
“…a lyricist attracted to the rich details that bring alive a story or a setting.” Songlines
“…the triumphant return of the songsmith’s songsmith….” Living Tradition
“…a refined and perfectly paced masterwork.” Colin Randall, Telegraph
“Soul food for those who appreciate quality words and music…” Barfly, Australia
Such & Such, “Basically, you must own this; it's in a different class.” Folking.com
Steve Tilston Quotes | the musician’s musician
“100% - exactly what we’ve come to expect from Steve Tilston.” John Tams
“…has always been a guitarist I’ve greatly admired, one of the best in Britain.” Richard Thompson
He is one of my and Fairport Convention's favourite performers. If you haven't heard him, I suggest you go and check him out as soon as possible. A remarkable talent!
Dave Pegg, Fairport Convention
It seems to me that Steve Tilston has never sought fame on anything but his own terms. He has been driven by his own enthusiasm for his chosen subject matter. He writes beautiful words and melodies and when our generation of songwriters is assessed on our contribution to our time, Steve's work will rank alongside much better known artists. Ralph McTell
Steve Tilston has an annoying habit of doing things with his guitar and lyrics that I wish I'd thought of first, coupled with an integrity of expression that compels me to say things like this in public. Chris Smither
One of the select band of songwriters with the vision to write great songs rooted in the tradition. Robin Williamson
A songwriter and guitarist I admire. Bert Jansch
Over the years Steve has become my all-time favourite songwriter on the British acoustic guitar scene. He’s a fine singer who combines beautifully executed original melodies with superb lyrics on almost every subject under the sun. Wizz Jones
Steve Tilston Quotes | the critics roundup
I have so much respect for Steve Tilston. Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
Steve Tilston, in case events have conspired to conceal the fact from you thus far, is that very rare combination of singer, songwriter and guitarist who actually excels in all departments. fROOTS
His musicianship is beyond question, while the arrangements set a standard against which other acoustic/roots albums ought to be measured. The Daily Telegraph
I don’t know the chemical formula for stardust. What I do know is that Steve Tilston has a rare and precious gift that transcends mere musical ability. Folk on Tap
…can stand shoulder to shoulder with any guitarist/songwriter in the world. Dirty Linen
Unlike many of his contemporaries though, his work simply gets better as time goes on. Mojo
Steve Tilston, singer songwriter and exquisite guitarist… is hard on the heels of Richard Thompson in the perennially underrated stakes. Q Magazine
…absurdly accomplished singer/songwriter and guitarist. Living Tradition
His music has a flow and poignancy, which makes it, stand out from the plethora of singer/guitarists on the scene. Guitar Magazine
...He's an unsung hero quietly going about the art of music making. Zip Code