Glenn Kimpton

Tompkins Square is set to release Song of the Avatars : The Lost Master Tapes, a 5CD Robbie Basho boxset of previously unreleased material from throughout his career, ranging from 1965 – 1985.

Of all Nick Jonah Davis’s albums, this is my favourite. Not a note is wasted and the whole set hangs together beautifully; it is surprising, patient, spacious and quite mesmerising.

John Lee Shannon’s “In & Of” is an impeccably performed set of small unpretentious gems highlighting the subtle joys of the ubiquitous acoustic guitar. Splendid.

It’s a clever musician who can weave such a human image through sparse improvised playing, but Samuels is clearly one such player and this small, cohesive and unassuming album contains multitudes of such touches.

From the Harbour is very elegantly performed and produced, with a level of intelligence in the songs and their structure that will ensure their longevity. A quiet and patient delight.

Patient, pensive and meditative, as well as witty, ironic and razor-sharp, these fully realised sketches are Bill Callahan at the top of his game.

Unbecoming indeed, this one is a huge leap forward for Eli Winter, it has plenty of guts and spirit and is musically rich and challenging. Excellent stuff.

Thread is a wonderful, deeply thought out, rich and engaging album that manages to sound completely original within the parameters of its musical roots.

Tar Gui feels very much like an autonomous work, a large yet intimate journey album that will reward each listen. A beautiful album from a very generous musician.

Portraits is a high end set of beautifully performed and written songs that will delight on many levels. A great introduction to Ben Bedford’s music and one to also satisfy fans.

Slither, Soar and Disappear is a triumph of considered, elegant playing and arranging, working on many levels to create something far more than the sum of its parts.

Bloomin’ Josh Okeefe is a great debut, full of enduring songs ranging from the comic to the tragic which are sure to bloom even further when Josh sings them live.