January 2020

Traditional Techniques is third solo LP from Stephen Malkmus without the Jicks (or Pavement). He continues his journey committed to finding untouched territory and certainly delivers with lead single ‘Xian Man’.

What is immediately apparent on The Pine Hearts fourth studio album ‘Back To Sustain’ is the immediacy and vitality of these new recordings which showcases the very best in contemporary American roots music.

As Burns Night draws closer, the 12-strong Band of Burns prepare for some of their biggest shows to date including Glasgow’s Barrowlands and a return to where it all started – London’s Union Chapel.

Whether it’s a full choir or just a man and his guitar, the passion of Lessons of War cannot be denied. Matt McGinn’s collection of songs deserves to be heard again and again, until we finally learn the lesson and begin to find new ways to resolve the problems that …

That Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley, Zoë Conway and John Mc Intyre are on a bill alongside Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn says a lot about the riches that this winter Festival has to offer. A wondrous evening in the charming surroundings of Glasgow City Halls.

Watch the video for Duncan Barlow’s newest single “She Came To Leave” which is led by sparse acoustic guitar and Barlow’s reverb-washed vocals, reflecting the isolation in which it was recorded.

David Morrison catches up with David Francey in Nanaimo, British Columbia where the Ayrshire-born folk icon also put on a great performance, accompanied by acoustic guitar maestro Adam Dobres and lauded traditional fiddler, Pierre Schryer

Passing In The Night, Thunder and Rain’s third and latest release, would, for me, epitomise the best of the current Americana scene, music of the highest calibre, guaranteed to brighten up your life.

Whether it proves to be a one-off project or they hopefully remain in the collective saddle to ride together again, for now, this understated affair works a quiet magic.

Blackbird & Crow are a Donegal duo featuring Maighread Ni Ghrasta and Stephen Doohan. This month sees the release of their new album Ailm – a ruthlessly honest self-exploration. Watch their new animated video for A Pox on You.

There are many delights to be found throughout Pill Pilots, which boasts great songs treated with love and respect by a pair of the finest players currently performing. Recommended indeed.

Following their debut single last year, Sairie (Emma Morton, Jon Griffin and Andy Thomas) return with a new EP in March – Scarlet and Blue. Watch their video for the title track which was filmed on the Sussex hills.

Listen to Eileen Aroon, taken from the new single by Irish singer-songwriter Brona McVittie which provides a hint of what’s to come from her forthcoming sophomore album.

With Early Bright, Seamus Egan has produced a master class in capturing the attention by playing to his strengths as a writer and performer, while never overplaying his hand.