Once again, a year of top-class music from both domestic artists and those from further afield. Whilst new music has featured strongly, the wealth of re-issued material, albeit in many cases music hitherto unheard and unavailable in the Western world, continues to be a revelation. Grateful thanks to all of the musicians, not just those appearing in my Top 10, for continuing to bring joy and pleasure with their endeavours.
In alphabetical order, my top 10 are:
Àfrica Negra – Antologia Vol.1
To the list of sub-Saharan African musical big hitters such as Mali, Nigeria, Gambia and Cape Verde, add the two Portuguese-speaking islands of São Tomé & Principe. Thanks to the efforts of Geneva-based Bongo Joe records, some of the best work of Àfrica Negra for over 50 years, São Tomé’s most acclaimed post-independence Pan-African fusionists, has been made available on this release. The music displays fierce energy, frenzied rhythms and natural harmonies in the rich São Tomén melodic tradition.
The Hanging Stars – Hollow Heart
Recorded in Edwyn Collins’ remote north-east of Scotland studio, there is less of an overt country feel to this album when compared to their previous work, but a heady mix of Americana-tinged, dreamy psychedelic, cosmic country-folk featuring lush harmonies still abounds on this extremely impressive release. Hollow Heart, their 4th album, with its sonic variety and contemporary feel, is surely their finest yet.
Robb Johnson & The Irregulars – The Mystery Gets your Number & The Poetry Makes the Call
Robb’s “reeeeally good LOUD vinyl” album does what it says on the tin. A guitar-based set, in the main, it is rough, raucous post-punk rock’n’roll of the finest order. Ever prolific, with this release, Robb Johnson gives further concrete evidence that he is one of the nation’s finest songwriters, with the uncanny knack of being able to create music of the highest quality across a range of styles. Impeccable.
Madalitso Band – Musakayike
This opening line from my original review prompted a wonderful, cheery response from the duo and their manager, so I feel justified in repeating it here “Forget The White Stripes and their Seven Nation Army and lock yourself into the two-man musaical army that is The Madalitso Band from Malawi, you will not be disappointed. ” Upbeat and high-energy, this album will force you to reassess any preconceived ideas about African music. Infectious in the extreme.
Angeline Morrison – The Sorrow Songs: Folk Songs Of Black British Experience
A significant release, and one which I believe will be viewed as an important landmark release in the canon of British folk music. An exploration of the Black experience within the genre, throughout the eleven tracks, the standard of musicianship is first-class, and the subject matter resonates and connects with the hearts, minds and emotions of the listeners. The music is further enhanced by exemplary artwork and packaging, with informative notes which encourage further exploration of the historical background.
The Movers – Vol 1 1970-1976
One of the South African soul scene’s foremost bands, this release brings together 14 of their best tracks from the early to mid-70s. Infectious, toe-tapping fare, which incorporates elements of jazz, funk and US soul, together with hints of mbaqanga, this album is guaranteed to get you up and on your feet. There can hardly ever have been a more appropriately named group than The Movers, and this compilation is a true testament to one of South Africa’s most legendary outfits.
Rachel Newton & Lauren MacColl – Heal & Harrow
Two of the leading lights of Scotland’s traditional music scene come together to create an album which is informed by the Scottish Witch Trials of the 16th and 17th Centuries, and pays respect to what are believed to be the 2558 people executed after Scotland’s 1563 Witchcraft Act was introduced, an estimated 80% of whom were women. Heal & Harrow is a refreshingly original and carefully-crafted album, magnificently moving, replete with multiple mood-shifting dimensions and musicianship of the highest order.
Ranagri – Tradition II
The long-awaited follow-up to 2014’s Tradition, the folk canon classics presented here on Tradition II are amongst the most inventive, imaginative and innovative interpretations that you could wish to hear. Whilst fully respecting the tradition, Ranagri tear its boundaries asunder with music of the highest class, played by musicians performing with consummate skill and enthusiasm. A cracking album.
Various Artists – Perú Selvático – Sonic Expedition into the Peruvian Amazon 1972-1986
One of the finds of my musical year. Exciting, electric music from the 1970s and 1980s from deep in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, thanks to Samy Ben Redjeb and the Analog Africa label. This album of Cumbia Amazónicaexudes a good-time feel, oozing psychedelia with an intoxicating meld of Columbian, Cuban and Ecuadorian dance music, bizarrely laced with Southern Californian surf-rock vibes. A veritable treasure trove of musical gems.
The Watersons – Frost And Fire; A Calendar of Ritual and Magical Songs
The Watersons’ historic debut, Frost And Fire: A Calendar of Ritual and Magical Songs, was first released in 1965, and it is impossible to underestimate its importance to the world of folk music. The four-part vocal harmonies of Hull’s Lal, Mike and Norma Waterson, alongside their cousin John Harrison, are both legendary and inspirational. Frost and Fire remains a revelatory and seminal album and this latest edition, released on 45 rpm vinyl, is an essential purchase.