Making such an extensive list of Best Albums of 2013 has been a very reaffirming experience, it was a great year for folk and alternative music the benefits of which can still be heard by listening to our radio channels and 2014 is already looks like it is shaping up to be another. I am finally coming close to the end of the list…one more to go, although I know I could go on for longer. See the rest here.
Lal Waterson – Teach me to be a Summer’s Morning
The most beautifully packaged release of 2013, Teach Me To Be A Summer’s Morning is a loving portrait, created by a daughter in memory of her late mother. It captures a creative spark that could light an inferno. This was one of the biggest highlights of 2013 for me personally.
Review | Interview with Marry Waterson
Lisa Knapp – Hidden Seam
The best things are always worth the wait and as Hidden Seam finally unlocks the creative flow of Lisa Knapp and Gerry Diver, the result is a magical masterpiece.
Review | Interview
Alasdair Roberts and Robin Robertson – Hirta Songs
Wonderfully evocative Hirta Songs is Robin Robertson’s poetic collaboration with Alasdair Roberts’ musical settings exploring the human story and dramatic geography of St.Kilda. A wonderful album.
Review | Interview
The Full English
The Full English album featuring Fay Hield, Martin Simpson, Seth Lakeman and more was a triumphant symbol of the efforts and achievements of this great 2013 project.
Review
Linda Thompson – Won’t Be Long Now
One of the great female folk voices of the 70s and early 80s was almost lost forever, but having battled a debilitating illness ‘Won’t Be Long Now’ was a triumphant return for Linda Thompson.
Review
The R G Morrison – Diamond Valley
Diamond Valley was the latest release from The R G Morrison and is without a doubt amongst the best albums released in 2013.
Review
Aidan O’Rourke – Hotline
Aidan O’Rourke’s beautifully realised third solo album busts boundaries between Scottish folk and jazz, telling the story of the Hotline between the USA and the Kremlin.
Review | Interview
Dan Haywood – Dapple
Dan Haywood’s ‘Dapple’ has a deep and symbiotic relationship with nature and place. The roots of which seem to have seeped up from the ancient ground on which he made these airy and beautifully understated recordings.
Review
David Rotheray – Answer Ballads
David Rotheray’s original concept, although apparently simple, generates a complexity of ideas that shone through brightly on the ‘Answer Ballads’ which featured some of the best singers around today.
Review | Head-to-head Interview: David and Bella Hardy
Ruth Theodore – Dear Lamp Love Moth
Three years had passed since Ruth Theodore’s second album, with Dear Lamp Love Moth she followed it up with a set of songs that is even more ambitious. A very worthy album to be in this end of year list.
Review
Martin Simpson – Vagrant Stanzas
A master craftsman captured in intimate style with production assistance from friend Richard Hawley, Vagrant Stanzas is the album Martin Simpson was born to make.
Review | Interview
Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo – Dear River
When we saw Emily live with a cherry red Gretsch electric guitar strapped on and Jo Silverston not sat with cello, but standing with an equally vibrant Fender bass we knew we were in for a treat. Dear River did not disappoint.
Review | Interview pt1 / pt2
Lucy Ward – Single Flame
Single Flame was an excellent album from Lucy Ward that showed growing maturity and confidence in her songwriting as well as a few pleasant surprises.
Review
Georgia Ruth – Week of Pines
Humming to the pines, tracking shadows down the street and making maps of memories. On her debut album, Georgia Ruth went on radiant harp adventures.
Review
Barrule – Barrule
It was a pleasure to introduce this debut album from Barrule featuring Jamie Smith, Adam Rhodes and Tomas Callister a Manx Trad Power Trio! They also put on a great live set as I witnessed at Halsway Manor in 2013.
Review