David Pratt

One of the greatest strengths of this album is the sheer breadth and diversity of the music on offer, such is the eclectic nature of Fran’s song-writing. For those looking for originality and an alternative to the bland offerings of ‘mainstream’ singer-songwriters, then Wood For The Trees blows in like a breath of fresh air on a balmy spring day.

A shift to more introspective material merely confirms not only his latent talent but also that, with Notes From An Island, his journey as one of our foremost singer-songwriters continues to be in the ascendancy. His most accomplished album so far.

The Nelson Brothers are undeniably very fine songwriters and musicians – Migrant Tales leads the listener on a thoroughly enjoyable and evocative musical trip, it would be foolish not to get on board and share in their journey.

Featuring the likes of Michael McGoldrick, Donald Shaw, Adam Holmes and John Smith and more, ‘Love Is The Bridge Between Two Hearts’ is the first duo EP/Album from Heidi Talbot and John McCusker – They have created something which sounds fresh and beautiful.

Dom Flemons pays tribute to the music, culture, and the complex history of the golden era of the Wild West’s and sheds light on the role that African-American, Native American and Mexican men and women pioneers played in westward expansion. An enduring testament to the Black cowboys and what they represent.

This was as good as live music gets.  Analogies with the likes of CSN&Y, The Byrds, The Traveling Wilburys, The Jayhawks, et al. are/will be inevitable, but don’t be fooled, tonight we witnessed original, euphoric, exhilarating British Americana music of the highest standard, played with unbridled enjoyment by musicians so obviously empathetic to each other.

Norwegian singer and songwriter Torgeir Waldemar’s latest offering ‘Jamais Vu’ contains slices of sonic beauty – this is high-class music that certainly deserves a wider audience.

Bennett Wilson Poole is as pure a slab of joyous Americana as you could wish to hear – Assured, cohesive and above all, a thoroughly accomplished musical delight of the highest quality. Destined to be a landmark release in the annals of the genre.

Between Wind & Water is a joyous smorgasbord of Nordic Celtic traditional music that fairly warms the cockles and lifts the spirits. The essence of world-class fiddle music has not only been captured, but distilled into 12 potent shots.

Songs About a Train confirms that Reg Meuross is, unequivocally, quite simply one of the finest singer-songwriters of our, or any other, times.  His songs leave you with memories that are ‘released into your musical world to haunt you for years to come’.

Whether you’re already a fan or not, this live album is an indispensable addition to Christy Moore’s canon of work. A quintessential release from a national legend.

Texas-based singer-songwriter Keegan McInroe returns with his fifth album on which he more often than not goes straight for the jugular with untempered, visceral lyrics – Political and entertaining, he is an artist with something to say.