Glenn Kimpton

Brilliant writing and no-frills singing from a veteran of the game and a band of experienced musicians and guests who leave the words and the nuanced experience coming through in the vocals and lyrics to stand in the foreground, while weaving a musical web that keeps the whole thing perfectly cohesive throughout.

A remarkable album of such texture and prowess that at points its scope, concentrated into the workings of two masters of their instruments, takes the breath away. The pacing, structure, packaging and context, including inspired liner notes from Andy Morgan, is all impeccable and it all combines to result in a truly inspired, beautifully conceived project.

Veteran singer songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter has just released ‘Sometimes just the Sky’, a reimagined set of songs that span a thirty-plus year long career. We met to chat about the inspiration behind the project.

It is the combination of attention to detail in every aspect, plus a great idea and considerable skill from a reliably exciting pair of musicians, that results in 365 being an excellent piece of work from the ground up that gently bewitches the listener with subtlety and pathos and lasts in the mind well after the final note has rung out.

Sometimes Just the Sky is the latest offering from Mary Chapin Carpenter, our Artist of the Month. The album is a beautifully conceived and considered set that provides a rich and generous window into the career of this great veteran singer songwriter.

While Alasdair Roberts throws a curve ball with the arrangements on his latest offering, aided by Amble Skuse & David McGuinness he places vocals and song firmly in the foreground. What News offers a set of minimalist music and vocal clarity that is starkly beautiful in all its boldness.

Sweet Unknown finds Erika Wennerstrom of ‘Heatless Bastards’ letting loose with confidence and conviction. It’s a big piece of work that isn’t the easiest to digest in one hit, but it absolutely works and will undoubtedly weave its spell before long.

Legendary singer, songwriter, activist and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Joan Baez releases her first new studio album in a decade. Whistle Down the Wind is a totally engaging listen from start to finish and one that invites repeated visits.

If you like your music honest and free from studio beeps and production flourishes and your vocals real and untouched by autotune, then this new album from Anglo-American duo Cath and Phil Tyler should hold you. Well worth the eight-year wait.

With A Hymn for Ancient Land, Jim Ghedi has taken big strides in his sound to create a small masterpiece, a homage of sorts to the subtleties of nature, place and space.

Ralph McTell & Wizz Jones return with ‘About Time Too’, an extension of last year’s ‘About Time’ and very much cut from the same cloth. Throughout, it sounds like they’re playing for fun, nothing is too perfect or polished – one of the album’s key strengths. Lovely stuff.

On ‘Singing Ways to Feel More Junior’, Luke Daniels delivers yet another highly innovative collection. An album that is full of fascinating and meticulously crafted song from an artist with his finger on the pulse. Out Now on Gael Music.