That combination of closeness and mystery – a thread that runs through all of his records – is one of the reasons Yorkston is amongst the very best songwriters of his generation; The Wide, Wide River is yet another career highlight.
Many heavyweights feature on Daniel Hecht’s musical timeline, but his 1973 debut album, simply titled Guitar, is still arguably the finest example of his talents – an enthralling, highly creative and timeless debut.
Today sees the publication of “Sailor Song – The Shanties and Ballads of the High Seas” by Gerry Smyth. We take a brief look at the rising popularity of Sea Shanties.
Frankie Armstrong’s all-encompassing, compassionate worldview has served her well for over half a century, and Cats Of Coven Lawn is one of her strongest statements yet. It is also a brilliant testament to the essential nature of artistic expression.
Farmer Dave and The Wizards of The West is a trip unlike anything else you are likely to take this year. This is music that cannot be contained. Resistance is futile.
Our Song of the Day comes from AJ Woods with his exceptional ‘Songs from a River’, a song set which you can watch him performing live ‘in’ the Rio Grande River.
Jack Cade’s latest offering is a relentless and glorious wallow in imperfect contrition. Very much a lockdown record, one for dark nights, short days and a hope in your heart. A red sky at night record and an astonishing one.
Such Times is an album of great authority, musical diversity and consummate skill. Like a good late vintage port, Steve Tilston really does seem to improve with age.
Up The Cut is a beautiful album. A raw, but entirely seductive, performance. One for all lovers of traditional songs delivered with minimal frills. More please Jon!
Watch the beautiful new video from Raine Hamilton for ‘Brave Land’, a live performance of the song, arranged for voice, guitar, cello, and double bass – also the title track of her forthcoming album.
Tune of the Day comes from a new Old Heaven Bookstore vinyl release – “Nikhil Banerjee in California, 1967”, taken from recordings made to reel-to-reel tapes by KPFA Radio in Berkeley.
Glasgow-based, British-Finnish artist, composer and performer Hanna Tuulikki releases wordless improvisation based on musical patterns of four songbirds, recorded at dawn in Little Drum Wood, Glen Finglas.
