David Pratt

Leyla McCalla’s ‘Sun Without The Heat’ is a consummate, original album that is Janus-like in its ability to communicate both sorrow and joy. Its shifting moods, musical styles, and influences make for a beautifully varied and rewarding listen.

With Congo Funk!, Analog Africa have captured the essence and spirit of Congolese music, which saw the rumba elevated to new heights. The 14 tracks showcase the indelibly funky grooves that electrified audiences at the time and have obviously stood the test of time.

Afrobeat music from Chile might sound incongruous, but whether you are a fan of the genre or are new to it, ignoring Grietas, the latest release from Newen Afrobeat, would be a mistake, such is its driving power, authenticity, and message.

Mawja, the latest album from the Sahrawi songwriter, musician and activist Aziza Brahim, finds her expanding her musical influences…it’s a compelling listen and truly representative of music without frontiers.

As part of their 85th anniversary, Topic Records reissue Martin Carthy’s self-titled debut solo album on vinyl – an iconic, almost peerless release, read why this album is as essential a listen now as it was in 1965.

Natascha Rogers’ ‘Onaida’ is a laid-back and immensely satisfying album. She has created a personalised aural space reflecting motifs such as her Native American ancestry, spirituality, compassion, humanity, the natural world, and womanhood—one to savour.

Often dark and heartachingly sad, Scott Fagan’s ‘South Atlantic Blues’ is, nevertheless, an engrossing and rewarding listen. He will hopefully be rewarded in 2024 with the acclaim that both he and the album warranted in 1968.

Merengue Típico: Nueva Generación! is Bongo Joe Records’ first compilation of music from the Caribbean, specifically the Dominican Republic and it is filled with authenticity, energy and verve.

On Suave Bruta, French-Colombian bassist Ëda Diaz delivers a refreshing new alt-pop sound, blending experimental electronica and traditional Afro-Columbian and Latin American rhythms.

Hirondelle, a collaborative project between The Brothers Gillespie, Trio Mythos and Provençal dialect polyphonic trio Tant Que Li Siam is a “project of roots and wings”. It thoroughly deserves not only to fly but to soar.

With Mount Matsu, global psych rockers YĪN YĪN have produced their most eclectic and adventurous album to date, and the view from the top is well worth the ascent.

David Pratt shares his Top 10 Albums of 2023, including Dengue Fever, Eliza Carthy Trio, Gilmore & Roberts, Les Abranis, Moonlight Benjamin, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Merry Hell and more.

With Mango, Mo’ Horizons have channelled 25 years’ worth of varied listening and absorption into an album of progressive, enlightening music which is both exciting and dynamic in its scope.

With Caribe and its mix of Latin American/Afro-Cuban styles, underscored by a classical background, Ana Carla Maza has produced a polished, effervescent and thoroughly entertaining listen that sits well alongside the most illustrious Cuban artists.

Once again, Analog Africa are to be congratulated on having unearthed another gem. Leon Keïta (Analog Africa Limited Dance Edition No.16) is an irresistible riot of rhythm, its dazzling virtuosity a feast for the ears.

Clear Purling Stream is an album which further enhances Na-Mara’s reputation for composing, interpreting and delivering folk music of the highest standard. Rob’s musicianship and Paul’s rich, resonant vocals represent what is best in contemporary folk/roots music.

‘So Far We Have Come’ has breathtaking and memorable moments, making it such a thoroughly intriguing and enjoyable album. In exploring the possibilities of melding English and Arabic folk traditions, Tamsin Elliott  & Tarek Elazhary have created a worthy addition to the musical canons of both cultures.

Having become mainstays of the folk, roots and acoustic scene, Gilmore & Roberts’ ‘Documenting Snapshots’ is a magnificent, mercurial album that will cement and further enhance their reputation as purveyors of the finest-quality music.