FolkEast is on course to return this August ft. Afro Celt Sound System, The Young’Uns, Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita, Daoiri Farrell, Drever, McCusker, Woomble, Elephant Sessions, The Shee, Gigspanner Big band, Topette!!, Trials of Cato and more.

In short, a poet-troubadour with a conscience who’s an uplifting panacea for times clearly manifesting malady above the shoulders too. Remedies are unavailable, but certainly an equivalent musical vaccination.

Our Song of the Day comes from Cork-born fearless feisty fiddler, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Clare Sands. She is joined by Steve Cooney and Tommy Sands on her outstanding new single ‘Abair Liom do Rúin (Tell Me Your Secrets)’.

Recorded at night in Highnam Woods, Gloucestershire, ‘Nightingale Soul Call’ expresses a suspended moment in time in which Adrian Freedman’s Shakuhachi flute met the nightingale, and together with Sam Lee on the shruti box, a meeting of kindred souls took place.

There is so much more to be found throughout Axacan, but the overall result is a sprawling, painstakingly created record by a progressive artist that will take many listens to fully digest. Axacan is Daniel Bachman’s most accomplished work yet.

Open and honest, When We Wander finds light and steadfastness in the new responsibilities in Jesse Terry’s life, channelling his influences but always imprinting them with his own signature. Both tender and triumphant, it’s his finest hour yet.

The pioneering Folkatron Sessions return on 2nd July with their second EP Home No More. Watch their accompanying video for ‘An Bonnán Buí (The Yellow Bittern)’ inspired by Anne Briggs’ iconic solo vocal version.

This live album from 2010 is a remarkable one that also illustrates how Khaira Arby had an innate capacity to blend cultures whilst still preserving her Malian roots. As a legacy, it is a more than fitting testament to a remarkable talent.

Watch the video (by filmmaker Timothy Breen) for ‘Inner Smile’, the new single and joyful closing track from David John Morris’s (Red River Dialect) forthcoming solo album Monastic Love Songs.

Old Sea Brigade’s “Motivational Speaking” is a gentle, wistful meditation on the instinctive tendency to cling to the past rather than move forward. Both poignantly sad, yet ultimately hopeful, seeking to embrace motivation rather than be imprisoned by resignation.

Rodney Crowell’s 18th Studio album, Triage, is to be released on July 23, 2021. Watch the video for his first single, “Something Has To Change”, directed by filmmaker/musician Haroula Rose and shot at Castle Recording Studios in Franklin, TN.

Watch ‘Black Peonies’, the latest single from Alex Rex featuring acclaimed Canadian singer/songwriter and one half of Kacy & Clayton, Kacy Lee Anderson. The video was shot in Glasgow and directed by acclaimed musician, filmmaker and choreographer Daisy JT Smith.