KLOF

Welsh band Allan Yn Y Fan not only continue to go from strength to strength but have also grown. They have just announced their first line up change since 2008. The original four band members – Geoff Cripps, Chris Jones, Lind Simmonds and Kate Strudwick are to be joined by by lead-singer Catrin O’Neill and fiddler Alan Cooper.

Jim Moray and Sam Carter of False Lights provide FRUK with a great Show and Tell video interview in which they share their influences with us which range from Sam’s love of Sacred Harp singing to their shared love for Nic Jones and Radiohead. It’s a fascinating insight into what makes them tick. Watch it here.

We have a video premiere today from Americana singer/songwriter Ryan Hobler with a beautiful cover of Neil Young’s Harvest Moon. We featured Ryan last year and he wowed us then, but this is cover is simply stunning which is why we’ve also chosen it as our Song of the Day.

The Mark Radcliffe Folk Sessions EP featuring Kate Rusby has been released via iTunes on which she performs songs from her album ‘Ghost’. Kate also kicks off her UK tour next month at The Sage, Gatehead on 15th April.

We have a great Song of of the Day from Tobias Ben Jacob & Lukas Drinkwater for ‘Burning Low’. The combination of Tobias’ accomplished guitar playing (and lead vocals) and Lukas’ double bass make for some sharp rapid fire acoustic interludes that really lift this song giving it a fresh and uplifting sound – a real catchy earworm.

Our latest mix features a number of new releases from artists such as Inge Thomson, Jackie Oates, Men Daimler, Robin Adams, Ryley Walker, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman and many more. Just sit back and enjoy our special mix – Lost in Transmission iii

Jackie Oates releases her 6th studio album on 27th April. Listen to the title track ‘The Spyglass & The Herringbone’ and watch her new video for ‘Can’t Be Sure’. The album is supported by a tour which takes in dates not only in the UK but also in Belgium and Iceland.

Earth Recordings have announce a Record Store Day Tribute to Shirley Collins with the release of ‘Shirley Inspired’, an album from which we have a small taster with songs performed by Graham Coxon, Will Oldham and Johnny Flynn. Proceeds of this album go directly towards the production of ‘The Ballad of Shirley Collins’, a film by Fifth Column.

The name TEYR is Cornish for “3” who are comprised of James Gavin (guitar and fiddle), Dominic Henderson (uilleann pipes and whistles) and Tommie Black-Roff (accordion). Watch them performing Shady Grove, our Song of the Day, and catch them at this year’s Priddy Folk Festival.

This duo really made my week: Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith are a London/Bristol based duo who play mainly traditional music that originates from the British Isles. They perform on guitar and banjo and together with their great vocal harmonies are an absolute joy to listen to. Their debut album ‘Let the Wind Blow High or Low’ is out now on Fellside Records.

This year’s Hothouse Festival at Halsway Manor in Somerset looks set to be another great year with performances from Sam Kelly, The Elephant Sessions, The Magic Lantern, Tom Kitching Band and many more. Now in its fourth year the festival continues to champion new young performers and is one we always go to.

We have some great nights coming up for The Levels Collective at Bridgwater Art Centre in Somerset with Alasdair Roberts & Kitty MacFarlane this month followed by Solarference and The Dead Rat Orchestra in April and a special event in May featuring Sam Lee & Friends. It’s all happening so try and come on down.