David Kidman

The massively uplifting impact of the Quilters’ four earthy, uncannily complementary voices is miraculous, and it’s something of a revelation to hear such earnest, dedicated performances. Big voices, big time inspiration.

Brìghde Chaimbeul’s debut album The Reeling, released on the new River Lea label, is every bit as special in its own atmospheric way as its recent launch at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections.

Rowan:Morrison’s latest offering is an ambitious and necessarily thought-provoking work and makes an important and powerful statement that proves both irresistible and cumulatively convincing.

The Unthanks’ latest venture, Lines, is a trilogy of three discrete song cycles inspired by poetry, linked by their focus on female perspectives across time. Guests include Sam Lee and Tim Dalling. Through their expressive performing style, commitment and vision a deeper undercurrent is revealed.

This definitive reissue of Balaklava automatically supersedes any previous CD editions (all inferior in both sound and presentation), while it also serves as a natural memorial for Tom Rapp himself, who passed away only last February while this new edition was being prepared for release.

A compelling collaboration between Mercury-prize-nominated folk singer/song collector/broadcaster Sam Lee and pioneering, free-thinking composer/conductor/bandleader Peter Wiegold.

All Is Quiet At The Ancient Theatre has a sense of stillness and ancientry that is both powerful and all-embracing. This is eternal, irresistible and stimulating music that provides ever-increasing reward on successive replay.

Narthen are a foursome comprising Barry Coope, Lester Simpson, Jo Freya and Fi Fraser. A scintillating teaming of four seasoned and highly talented performers – a lively, eclectic CD from a vibrant quartet; a memorable and life-affirming set.

The Building Light is the debut album from Em Marshall, one that radiates a simple beauty and intensity. It will be interesting to see in what direction, Em’s writing will develop in the years ahead.

Root & Branch is a five-piece comprising musicians from both sides of the Atlantic, a band with a hell of a presence. A Breath Against The Calm is sure to figure on Best Albums of Year.

The Last Dance is a pleasing introduction to a pleasing outfit, one that’s found and developed its niche and stuck to it, continuing to satisfy a loyal and appreciative audience with skilled, honest-to-goodness writing and musicianship.

Alula Down hail from the thriving Weirdshire community. Each of the songs on Homespun embrace an enchanting folk poetry for which Kate’s eloquent, crystalline vocal delivery is well suited…every strand of the minimal texture is perfectly audible…It’s magical.