On All this Longing, Reg Meuross brings to life the commonplace and the extraordinary in his poignant tales whose level of detail I’m always amazed by. The image of a typewritter on the album is a perfect symbol of his masterful storytelling.

The Long Hard Road is Tom McElvogue’s debut album and our album of the week! Tom’s attention to detail and perfectionism has resulted in a perfectly recorded legacy for the future which will finally introduce him to Irish music lovers worldwide!

Emily Smith’s latest album release, Traiveller’s Joy, continues to mark the ascent of this young Scottish artist on the UK folk scene. The album’s focus is on the rich song heritage left by the Scottish travelling community. Her refreshing re-interpretations as well as new self-penned songs make this a milestone album in her singing career.

At 6’5 Justin Townes Earle is physically as big as his talent and hype hint at. His attitude is brash Nashville no messing but delivered with a hint of New York City suave. It’s impossible not to listen and to find yourself forming little relationships with the protagonists of the pieces.

With the release of her debut album Company of Ghosts in spring 2010, Lizzie’s reputation as a captivating new voice in British folk has continued to grow. It is with great pleasure that we present Lizzie in session at Folk Radio UK

Ashley Hutchings, founder member of Fairport Convention, brings his new band, The Rainbow Chasers, to Square Chapel Centre for the Arts on Sunday 30 January.

Celtic Connections is delighted to be working with the Apple Store on Buchanan Street, Glasgow to feature a series of live in-store performances by festival artists throughout January. The artists will give short taster performances ahead of their Celtic Connections gigs.

Donovan will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at BBC Radio 2’s Folk Awards 2011 on Monday 7 February, as well performing an acoustic version of one of his classic songs.

The following videos are from the Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2010 which featured a host of names I’m sure many of you are familar with including Bellowhead, Dervish and Andy Irvine, Genticorum, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, Boo Hewerdine and Heidi Talbot to name just a few.

Help Mànran to become the first band in the 21st century to take a Gaelic song into the official UK top 40. Download it today from itunes!

There is no doubt that The Outside Track’s latest release has proven that they are not only fine exponents of their musical traditions but that they are fine musicians who can enthuse and bring those traditions to a wider audience!

Malcolm Holcombe’s latest album, To Drink the Drain, transports you back to the likes of Townes Van Zandt. His voice has been drenched and intoxicated by an eventful and self-destructive life but his courage has saved him. He’s back and he’ll be touring the UK in March!