KLOF

You can hear award-winning folk music artist Lisa Knapp this week on BBC Radio 4 as she reflects on her own fondness for the shipping forecast and how it has inspired others. She is joined by poet Sean Street, songwriter Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull and more.

Keston Cobblers’ Club announce new album ‘Wildfire’ and we have a first taste with their forthcoming single. Plus we’ve news of their own festival ‘Camp Wildfire’, a 1950’s-style camp and swing ‘Adventure Questival’ in a secret Kent forest location.

Our Song of the Day is Lord Franklin – a live recording of John Renbourn which was filmed at the Prince Alberts Bar, Victoria Rooms, Bristol on 5th Feb 91. As you will see, he could also tell a great story.

More Record Store Day gems from Fledg’ling Records including Bob and Ron Copper and Shirley Collins – English Songs – the first time this iconic record has been made available as a vinyl EP since its first release.

Topic are really spoiling us on Record Store Day this Saturday 18th April. They have announced a limited vinyl reissue of a seminal folk album, Anne Briggs’ self-titled LP, originally issued by Topic in 1971. This is a gem in the Topic crown, one you don’t want to miss.

We’ve a special guest mix from Sharron Kraus – singer of traditional folk songs, a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. The mix is loosely themed around Beltane and the month of May. As well as drawing on the folk traditions of England and Appalachia, Sharron’s own music is influenced by gothic literature, surrealism, myth and magick. Enjoy.

Our Song of the Day is from Olivia Chaney with ‘Imperfections’ which features on her debut album ‘The Longest River’. The video below is from a live performance at The Living Room in New York City.

Topic Records are to release an anniversary limited edition of Martin Carthy’s very first solo album released in 1965 on the Fontana label. Re-mastered for 180g audiophile vinyl, it includes the original liner notes and additional illustrative material. It sounds amazing as well!

Watch The Demon Barbers performing May Song in session for the Durbervilles Folk and Roots Show on BBC Leeds. The track features on their new album Disco at the Tavern, the highly anticipated follow up to The Lock In. Catch them on tour from this month.

Our Song of the Day is from Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting and Nancy Kerr with ‘Ruben’ which will be released by Topic Records as a special 7″ double-A sided vinyl single along with the track Dark Honey from their forthcoming album Murmurs.

Melinda West hails from Los Angeles and she’s been making quite a name for herself playing accordion. Inspired by a love of folk, tango and gypsy music she’s creating quite a stir. Check out two of her recent video sessions.

It’s a great pleasure to premiere this new animated video for Roxanne de Bastion’s new single Rerun which she is celebrating with a launch party at The Old Queens Head in London on 28 April 2015.