David Pratt

A fitting tribute to the work of Manzanita, one of Peru’s acknowledged masters of the electric guitar. The truly electrifying sounds of cumbia and guaracha music on offer burst from the speakers with exuberance and vitality guaranteed to put you in a good mood.

Joe Danks’ Seaspeak is a sumptuous and adroitly crafted collection. Equally comfortable and adept at creating original work and providing fascinating nuances and arrangements to traditional fare, the album is a very welcome addition to this year’s list of fine releases.

The release of ‘The Indigenous Afro-Jazz Sounds of Philip Tabane and his Malombo Jazzman’ was a seminal one, expanding the frontiers of African music. Reissued and remastered here on vinyl, it’s an exceptionally rewarding listen which offers subtle nuances on each repeated play.

This live album from 2010 is a remarkable one that also illustrates how Khaira Arby had an innate capacity to blend cultures whilst still preserving her Malian roots. As a legacy, it is a more than fitting testament to a remarkable talent.

In Shapes Of The Fall Piers Faccini has created a masterpiece – cerebral, thought-provoking, but above all, musically, an intensely enjoyable listening experience.

From the opening track to the last, this is an intoxicating album. Edo Funk Explosion Vol. 1 is an essential compilation, illuminating the work of these three groundbreaking artists and their incendiary sound, the likes of which had never been heard before.

Having successfully mined his personal experiences, Jason McNiff has delivered another work of truly great merit. Dust Of Yesterday is a well-crafted and beautifully performed album and provides a compelling argument for the artist to gain even wider recognition.

Melodic, pensive, joyful, passionate, introspective, melancholic are all apposite descriptors of Glenaphuca. Underlying the whole album, and at its core throughout, are Lewis Barfoot’s undeniably beautiful, crystal-clear vocals, vocals that could melt the hearts of angels. More please.

We talk to Eliza Marshall and Donal Rogers (of Ranagri) about Eliza’s ‘Freedom to Roam: The Rhythms Of Migration’ project, an album and short documentary film exploring the challenges and frustrations of the forbidden freedoms within humanity, the exploitation of land and animals.

Just Behind The Creek is a wonderful testament to just how vibrant the current music scene is in the Estill Mountain region of Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. If you like traditional Folk, Bluegrass, Blues and Mountain Music this album will bring a smile of appreciation to your face, if you don’t, then this release might just convert you.

Those Shocking Shaking Days. Indonesian Hard, Psychedelic, Progressive Rock And Funk: 1970 – 1978 is an extraordinarily excellent re-released compilation that, musically, succeeds admirably in capturing the essence and magic of the time.

Justin Rutledge’s softer Americana/alt folk ambience effortlessly combines his clear, warm and tender voice with an eloquent, poetic lyric-writing strength. One for fans and an excellent primer for newcomers.

Like Manna from the heavens, this superb collection heralds in the New Year and has to be one of the most significant compilations for many a decade. The fact that this album is advertised as Vol.1 merely adds to the delight.

The Beacon finds Harbottle & Jonas performing as a trio alongside Annie Baylis – it does indeed provide a light which should attract great interest and garner serious attention – one of the finest folk trios in the country.

Such Times is an album of great authority, musical diversity and consummate skill. Like a good late vintage port, Steve Tilston really does seem to improve with age.

Countless Isles And Endless Miles, Trail West’s fourth studio album, marks a significant milestone in the band’s history and represents a bold affirmation of their right to be considered up there with the very best in the genre.

Vincular, the culmination of Ron Jappy’s musical journey so far, is a mightily impressive debut from this talented and much sought-after multi-instrumentalist.

David Pratt selects his Top 10 albums of 2020 including releases from Katy Bennett, Katy Carr, Charlie Dore, Virginia Kettle, Tamikrest, Zoë Wren and more.