David Pratt

Only a few albums warrant being designated genre-defining and/or so important that they changed music…The Watersons’ Frost & Fire is one of them; it remains a revelatory and seminal album and this vinyl reissue by Topic Records is an essential purchase.

Few things in life are a given but relying upon Blackbeard’s Tea Party to deliver raucous, dynamic, high-quality music that exudes fun is one of them. Batten down the hatches, Kick The Curb is set to make waves.

Sea Song Sessions is a glorious album, showcasing some of the best of the current crop of British folk artists – Jon Boden, Seth Lakeman, Ben Nicholls, Emily Portman, Jack Rutter – delivering some of the best music you’re likely to hear this year.

With ‘The Sorrow Songs’, Angeline Morrison set out to retell the stories of historic British Black ancestors through song. In this she has succeeded; those stories are now there for future generations to be retold & remembered. A gift and landmark folk album.

Purbayan Chatterjee & Rakesh Chaurasia’s “Saath Saath” demonstrates the highest virtuosity playing as well as extraordinary synergy and fluency. The performances are majestic and will speak to the soul and heart.

Jackie Oates’ “Gracious Wings” is an album underpinned by top-quality musicianship and another assured and enthralling collection from one of the undoubted talents of the contemporary folk music world.

The Mystery Gets Your Number & The Poetry Makes The Call is a mighty fine post-punk rock‘n’roll record. Somewhere down the line, Robb Johnson asks, “Does it work for you?” The answer from these quarters is an unequivocal yes.

Analog Africa’s latest compilation, The Movers – ‘Vol. 1 – 1970-1976’, is a true testament to one of South Africa’s most legendary soul scene bands with a legacy of over a dozen albums and numerous hit singles. It also adds to the label’s ongoing outstanding reputation.

Tonight We Ride represents a soundtrack to Jason McNiff’s life and a gateway to some of music’s finest songwriters. Imbibed with his own personal takes, nuances and shades, it’s a resounding success.

Forget The White Stripes and their Seven Nation Army, and lock into the two-man musical army that is the Madalitso Band from Malawi; you will not be disappointed. Surely only those with a happiness-bypass could fail to enjoy such intoxicatingly accomplished and compelling music?

The Slocan Ramblers’ ‘Up the Hill and Through the Fog’ is a finely crafted release featuring tremendous instrumentals and painstakingly constructed songs that address difficult subjects whilst maintaining a keen sense of optimism and making high energy tracks sound effortless. It’s their best yet.

Beja Power! succeeds eminently in being a powerful act of defiance, an acclamation and testament of devotion for Beja culture and a thoroughly enjoyable musical experience.