Dana Sipos’ ‘Roll Up The Night Sky’ is quite magical, slightly, subliminally hypnotic and the imagery can be quite stunning in its own calmly composed yet tenderly skewed way.

What impresses most about ‘Woven’ is Sarah’s skill as an arranger; an interpreter of song, story and music. In taking these snatches and fragments of traditional song, adding her own intricate and fascinating musical themes and merging them into a narrative on the fleeting but complex nature of human existence, she has created an utterly compelling tapestry.

Musically and lyrically Sermon On The Rocks is a stunning piece of work that finds Josh Ritter at the peak of his very considerable powers and is, arguably, his best album to date.

Although in danger of being lost in amongst others who surrender to the sweet tones of folk, October Gold should be commemorated for the honesty in their music and the fragile approach taken when blending styles.

The Lost Boys is an assured and polished debut album which showcases a wide range of Sam’s undoubted talents as a singer/songwriter gifted with a musical maturity beyond his years. It more than justifies his growing reputation as a performer and deserves to bring him and his band to the attention of a much bigger audience.

Step-siblings Martha Wainwright and Lucy Wainwright Roche share with us songs that shaped their childhoods, whilst rather more for grown up ears we suggest you invest in a copy for your next slumber party.

Birmingham’s traditional Irish music festival returns with their best lineup promising to be bigger, better and brighter than 2014. Including Damien O’Kane, Mary Bergin, Michael McGoldrick, Dezi Donnelly, Jim Murray & John Joe Kelly, Máirtín O’Connor Trio & more!

With songwriting like this it is hard to believe that it has taken Osborne so long to begin committing her own material to tape. We can only hope she doesn’t stop there.

A welcome return from folk singer Richard Grainger with ‘Hard Road to Prospect Hill’, an album which embraces a generous helping of new original songs. Well worth the wait!

As the torch passes from one generation to the next Stourbridge-based outfit Kim Lowings & The Greenwood demonstrate that British folk music continues to remain in very good hands.

Another fully recommendable Veteran product featuring Northumberland traditional musicians Willie Taylor, Will Atkinson & Joe Hutton with performances of such rugged beauty and life-affirming, invigorating yet intimate spontaneity.

Chris Cleverley has infused Apparitions with thought-provoking, searching and often poignant songs of introspection, fleshed out with his own intricate playing and full band arrangements to produce an entirely satisfying and impressive debut.