Johnny Whalley

With this album, The Jeremiah’s have shown an abundance of skill, producing both songs and tunes of high quality. The even better news is that all the signs lead us to expect a lot more from them in the future. They’ll be on a short tour of the UK at the end of June and if you’re lucky enough to be around, you’d be wise to give them a listen.

Kadia are a band to watch out for. This debut album confirms they are maturing rapidly as songwriters, as instrumentalists, as singers, as arrangers. They are the full package, destined to reach an ever widening audience.

The Escape as an album already comes highly recommended and as the centre piece of a live gig it proved to be irresistible. UFQ have done it again, ensuring their live shows continue to provide top notch entertainment that really has to be experienced.

With Despite the Dark, Rura have not only produced an album of its time for Scotland, but one with the musical breadth and strength to ensure it will appeal to a far wider audience. This is a band growing in stature and confidence, brimming with originality and innovation.

It’s two years since Manx trio Barrule released their debut album with the declared intention of bringing the music of the Isle of Man to everyone’s attention. Their follow-up, Manannan’s Cloak, is more varied and even more energetic and appealing than the first. If Barrule is yet to enter your musical life, open the door right now.

Interloper is the latest release from Tom Kitching on which he is joined by some well known musicians to define the current state of the English tradition. This is a collection of cracking tunes with intelligent, absorbing arrangements. You can’t go wrong with this one.

On Good Friday evening a fairly typical looking folk audience is filling the old malt room at the Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal to near capacity. But they’re waiting for anything but a typical folk band. Whilst 11-piece bands are not so unheard of today, Feast of Fiddles have been playing for 22 years.

In their 2 years together Skipper’s Alley have already built a presence on the international Celtic festival scene and this debut album can only enhance and widen that reputation.

Canadian singer-songwriter Dennis Ellsworth played a top gig at The Square Tower, Portsmouth and not his first there either. Support came from the talented Marion Fleetwood.

The Alt brings together three of the most skilful and respected Irish traditional musicians, composers and songwriters – John Doyle, Nuala Kennedy and Eamon O’Leary. It delights from beginning to end.

The Morning Tree are three musicians who combine a genuine love of traditional material with the skill and imagination to imbue it with freshness and vitality. A very fine debut album.

Emily and Graham, after just two years playing together, have found a characteristic sound, writing songs that effortlessly incorporate so many elements. Their sound is fresh, personal and well worth a listen.

Johnny catches Danny and the Champions of the World in Portsmouth with support from Andrew Foster and duo Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou.

Johnny reports back on Swanage Folk Festival taking in The Lucy Ward Band, Winter Wilson, Urban Folk Quartet, O’Hooley & Tiddow, Goat Roper Rodeo Band, Johnny Coppin and more.

Johnny reviews a historic moment: Topic Records 75th Anniversary Concert, taking in great performances from Blair Dunlop, Martin Carthy, Fay Hield, Kris Drever and more. Plus some interviews along the way.

Johnny continues his review of Towersey Festival taking in performances from Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, Lau, interviews with Blair Dunlop, Urban Folk Quartet and more. Plus a look at the future…

Johnny talks through his Towersey Festival experience, a three part special feature which celebrates the festival’s 50th year & Topic’s 75 years – the first includes chats with Roy Bailey and Richard Thompson.

Johnny shares his highlights from this year’s Wickham Festival including Afro Celt Sound System. Steve Earle, Dick Gaughan, Julie Fowlis, 3 Daft Monkeys and many more.