Dave McNally

An exceptional and quite mesmerising performance by Amy Laurenson, a pianist from the Shetland Isles, followed by Celtic Fiddle Festival’s top-class musicianship, all made for a highly engaging and enjoyable evening of music.

For Damien O’Kane and Ron Block’s Celtic Connections set, the dividing line between band and guests was appropriately blurred at this highly anticipated banjo-fest gig at the magnificent Barony Hall.

Hannah Rarity delivered a composed and confident excellent set before Galician musician Carlos Nuñez delivered what can only be described as an unforgettable top-class performance and jubilant extravaganza.

Angélique Kidjo proved to be a force of nature at Celtic Connections with a powerful stage presence throughout, gripping, insistent vocals and almost always a beat that had to be danced to.

Allison Russell’s highly anticipated Celtic Connections show exceeded all expectations – supported by her powerhouse Rainbow Coalition, it was an unforgettable evening of first-rate music and songs inspiring resilience and hope.

Julie Fowlis delivered a compelling and entertaining Celtic Connections set, supported by Duncan Chisholm, Éamon Doorley, Innes White, Alice Allen, Patsy Reid and Binneas, a Gaelic harmony collective.

Martin Hayes & The Common Ground Ensemble delivered a captivating concert, shifting in tempo and intensity, stretching the melodies, with ever-innovative accompaniment – the standing ovation more than deserved.

Leonard Barry’s Littoral is a masterclass in uilleann piping; a top-notch album featuring Michael McGoldrick, Andy Morrow, Shane McGowan, Kevin Burke, Alice Allen, Michael Holmes, Seamie O’Dowd and Brian McDonagh that showcases his skill and deep knowledge of the instrument.

The viola and viol combination on Nick Hart and Tom Moore’s “The Colour of Amber” adds a beautiful richness and depth to the songs and tunes, and the album stands head and shoulders above just about any other English traditional album of the last few years.

Feile Live is a very persuasive debut offering from John McSherry, Brendán Quinn and Francis McIlduff. Their musical connection and rapport shine through, along with their confidence, energy and drive.

Bryony Griffith & Alice Jones’s ‘Wesselbobs’ casts a light on treasured Yorkshire traditions, tales, and winter rituals. A charming seasonal offering that any folkie would be happy to find under the tree.

The lack of musical constraint is a big part of what makes Frankie Archer’s ‘Never So Red’ such a persuasive, innovative release. Sounding both modern and traditional, it’s quite unlike any other folk music release out there today.

We chat with the people behind Sound Roots (Previously English Folk Expo) and some artists who have participated in their annual showcase, mentoring programme, Global Music Match and more to better understand what it is they do.

The Achill Sound’s Isle Of The Eagle is a fascinating documentary recording, interweaving stories of Achill Island’s’ past with traditional tunes and songs. Spending time with it will transport you to the homes, classrooms and local pub locations of Achill Islands storytellers and traditional musicians.

With ‘The Land Of My Other’, The Breath have peeled away musical layers. What remains is all the richer for how it embraces the songs. They have made an album of exceptional depth and beauty, gifting us music at its most absorbing.

Making a first vocal album is a leap that has paid off for Steph Geremia on ‘If Tomorrow’. It was produced by John McCusker and features an all-star cast including Eddi Reader, Kris Drever, Alan Kelly, John Doyle, Mike McGoldrick, Phil Cunningham, Donald Shaw, Alice Allen & Ian Carr.

There is a shrewd exuberance in the way Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman play together on Lady of the Lake, taking turns to lead and leaving plenty of space for each other to shine; it will leave you wanting more.

On Shorelines, Nuala Kennedy’s cohesive and compelling storytelling shines through, as she explores the representation of women in traditional folk song, while the accompaniment, arrangement and production provide a rich, subtle framework that lets her vocal and flute playing excel.