David Pratt

As sophomore releases go, ‘A Dobritch Did As A Dobritch Should’ is almost as seismic a leap as one could imagine from their debut. Musically, this is an accomplished, engaging offering, with high-quality contributions and performances from all involved.

What is immediately apparent on The Pine Hearts fourth studio album ‘Back To Sustain’ is the immediacy and vitality of these new recordings which showcases the very best in contemporary American roots music.

Passing In The Night, Thunder and Rain’s third and latest release, would, for me, epitomise the best of the current Americana scene, music of the highest calibre, guaranteed to brighten up your life.

While Chapman’s Pool may at first appear to be a sparse and spartan affair, don’t be fooled, it is a memorable debut which, dynamically, is often sweeping and expansive.  A wonderful EP that you should all seek out.

Autumn Shades Of Gold, the recording debut of Welsh singer-songwriter Osian Rhys, is a thing of grace, elegance and beauty, bringing a welcome warm breath of folk-psych air to the rapidly falling winter temperatures.

The Castra Leuca Trio preserve and respect the culture of the past, but interpret in new ways. Premeiro Andamento is a high-class debut album featuring consummate musicianship, seek it out.   

Sahari is a truly captivating release, with melodies that will linger long in the memory.  An album of unbridled optimism in the dream for the end to the struggle and that the world will learn not only to open its heart and mind to the Saharawi, but to all refugees.

With The Only Ones, The Milk Carton Kids’s return to their close harmony and acoustic guitar approach creates a powerfully intimate experience and one that deserves to be shared.

Too often tributes such as this can fall flat, but on this occasion the obvious respect and love shown by all concerned to the memory and musical acumen of Jack Bruce is well-documented.

Falling More Slowly is a masterclass in song-writing and performance from one of our most-under-rated singer/songwriters.  Here’s hoping that we don’t have to wait another 50 years for his next solo release.

Raw is a valuable addition to the ever-growing canon of outstanding work from Reg Meuross, and confirms that intelligent song writing of the highest calibre, thoughtfully delivered, is still alive and well as we move towards the end of 2019.

To describe the album as sounding effortless is intended as the highest compliment. Unorthodox it may be, however, with “Before”, Boo has triumphed in having simultaneously managed not only to evoke the past but to do so with great originality.