David Pratt

With Reckless River, Zoë Wren has produced a mature, exquisitely well-crafted album of great beauty and listening pleasure, deserving of a wide audience.

Katy Carr’s Providence – Opatrznośc is unique, bold, innovative and, in many respects, brave. It is a totally immersive listen for those willing to lend their ears and dedicate time to it.

Superbly mastered by Tony Poole, “Where Does It Hurt?” showcases the prodigious and varied talents of a singer-songwriter who deserves a much wider audience and recognition.

With ‘Sowing Acorns’, Emma Langford has delivered a mature, assured and eminently listenable album, frothing with melodic charm and lyrical intrigue.

Tired of the same old? Then Gap In The Fence from Scotland’s Tom Houston will bring refreshingly welcome rays of musical sunshine into your life.

Afrik Toun Mé is passionate yet complex in its sonic palette, the vocal structures, dynamism of the textures and utterly compelling rhythms produce an alchemy all of their own.

The possibly often over-looked genre of ‘Tulsa sound’ warrants a fresh listen, and there would be no better place to start than this album – Back To Paradise.

Northumbria is truly authentic, it both connects and communicates with a brutal honesty and warrants investigation. I, for one, look forward to future music from ConChie.

A delightful aural confection, combining synth, guitar work which is both lusty and beautifully subtle, highly effective drums patterns. Engaging, entertaining and musically astute; it should be on everyone’s playlist.

Recorded in April during lockdown, Paul and Naomi’s “I’ve Got A Fever” is a musical delight, and hopefully a foretaste of another full album.

City Of Love is another important forward step in Ma Polaine’s Great Decline’s musical journey and confirms their continuing upward trajectory, an album to be cherished, replete with enchanting musical treats around every corner.

The Ledger is a traditional folk song album par-excellence and a work of great distinction. Recommended to anyone who appreciates top-quality music delivered by very fine musicians.

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.