David Kidman

On this “difficult third album”, then, Dallahan have not only proved themselves again but have also demonstrated a thirst for musical adventure that ventures even further beyond the tried-and-tested of their earlier album experiments.

Liz Conway’s Downhill All The Way serves as a lovingly configured, carefully produced artefact in memory of the incomparable Terry Conway, who still remains comparatively unknown in folk circles and grossly under-represented on record, but whose all-too-infrequent live performances still resound in the memory, years on.

On this fourth compelling release in a limited-edition series of half-hour “split-artist” cassette tapes organised by London-based banjo player Jacken Elswyth she is joined by Glasgow-based musician Quinie (aka Josie Vallely)

Mary Ann Kennedy’s Glaschu is a jewel of an album that is wonderfully packaged; impeccably performed by all concerned, and replete with inventive arrangements that present fresh insights to be discovered around every corner of the city it so vividly celebrates.

Ashlar is a solid and satisfying listen and a very good example of quality Cape Breton Celtic that you’ll want to revisit. Yes, they most definitely are “one of Atlantic Canada’s most exciting Celtic traditional groups.”

Small World Turning is another splendid collection of songs from one of the UK’s top songwriters, still very much at the top of her game and still refreshingly unafraid to tell unpalatable home truths and speak out in defence of her uncompromising take on today’s world.

With their lead singer’s mesmeric vocals and the bands occasional and very sparing harmonies, each of the album’s ten songs is a perfect little jewel. A strong debut from London-based Alvarez Theory, a band you’ll want to keep on your radar.

Twelve Months and A Day is the best possible advertisement for the delights in store from this entertaining duo – you can hear why they continue to be such a draw at folk clubs and festival stages alike.

California Feetwarmers will spare nothing to exhume this treasurable heritage for our delectation and have a whale of a time doing so. If you like your early jazz close-to-the-source, boisterous and fun, then they will definitely warm your feet and more.

The music on Katie Spencer’s full-length debut album is sensitive, poetic and perfectly judged, and executed with a confidence and skill, and experience, that would seem to belie her 21 years.

On The Reverie Road, Liverpudlian fiddler and multi-instrumentalist Mikey Kenney’s singing and playing displays plenty of distinctive touches that charm and delight throughout. The album also sports his own artwork and photography.

Empathy Moves The Water is a delightful album which migrates from energetic revival songs inspired by early rural gospel blues to haunting fiddle-drenched ballads expressing the isolation and humanity lost in a rapidly changing land.