As the title suggests, the component parts form together to create a superbly wrought and finely crafted album, beautifully played by all involved, that is certain to loom large in the end of year folk awards.

That Flemons and Simpson are able to rework and revive the tensions and turmoils that fester in blues and folk music is the deepest tribute a musician can pay to their forebears, as well as the only way to bring those ghosts back to life.

Ewan McLennan & George Monbiot have shared a new video in which they preview and explain how their new album ‘Breaking the Spell of Loneliness’ came about and how that relationship works in turning words into ballads and anthems.

Watch the new video for O’Hooley & Tidow’s ‘Small, Big Love’. Written by Kathryn Williams, the duo called on the multi-talented Marry Waterson to work her animation magic, the results are really quite magical. All three stars aligned perfectly.

Any chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Apple Of My Eye are happily lacking in any such weak links, and as a result, they have produced one of the most exciting folk albums of the year so far.

Common wisdom holds that The Handsome Family’s finest album is ‘Through The Trees’. It may be time to revise that after a listen to ‘Unseen’, an album that embraces forgotten moments, lost dreams and spiritual light.

Johnny shares some his favourite moments from Fairport’s Cropredy Convention this year including Steeleye Span, Gryphon, Ralph McTell, Demon Barbers, Brìghde Chaimbeul and many more…not forgetting Fairport Convention themselves of course.

Read our Artist of the Month interview with Jon Boden whose debut solo album ‘Painted Lady’ get’s a special 10th Anniversary re-issue this month via Navigator Records. Plus watch his new video for ‘Get A Little Something’.

A unique and enthralling project that celebrates the power of collaboration, a shared love of traditional music and The Shee’s ten years as a major force in folk music. The premiere of Continuum at Celtic Connections was an unforgettable event, the album that’s grown from it is simply outstanding.

David Eugene Edwards gazes skywards in his latest offering. Ethereal and multi-layered ‘Star Treatment’ is a blood rush of  baptismal fury that touches on primal, apocalyptic feelings and leaves you both drained and exhilarated.

Watch the latest video from Paul Goodwin for ‘Wasted on the Young’, a song which features on his new album due for release this month – The Northern Lights In The Neon Tube.

Listen to the new album from Marcus Corbett whose reputation for his skillful combining of the worlds of Indian Classical and British folk music, while being ambitious and yet aware of the limitations, will inevitably continue to grow and grow.