Johnny Whalley

Johnny shares his highlights from this year’s Wickham Festival in a two-part live review which delivered perfect weather and music to match. In part one he covers Martyn Joseph, Findlay Napier, Reg Meuross, Boo Hewerdine, The Gerry Colvin Band and Sounds of the Sirens.

While initially combining their existing influences was the start for We Banjo 3, Haven tells us the journey is far from over as celtgrass spreads its boundaries, showing it can assimilate what it finds while remaining true to its roots.

Turas 1980 is to be heartily welcomed, and not just as the only available, live recording of a band at the first peak of their development. It’s a recording of a concert that transports you there, it’s as close as you’ll get to having been there on the night.

Listening to Ten Thousand Miles will bring back memories of the very best Irish pub sessions…but, for a pub session to sound as good as this, you’d probably have to be in heaven, that’s the magic of Danú.

There’s been a four-year gap since Skerryvore’s last studio album and the quality and mix of material that now appears on EVO shows it has been time well spent. A very firm reminder that they’re just as much at home in the recording studio as they are on the road.

With this album, Greg McDonald presents songs that bring into sharp focus many of the issues that plague Britain today. But this is far from being a dour or dispiriting listen, there’s a lightness of touch that nudges you towards a more positive outlook. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait another six years for his next offering.

Ray Cooper’s song writing shines brightly on his latest offering. Between the Golden Age and the Promised Land is an album full of treats for the senses and with plenty to exercise the mind.

Will Pound’s enormous enthusiasm for traditional dance has enticed the very best into this project. Through The Seasons will open many people’s eyes to the power of traditional English dance music.

While it’s unfair to single out any one band to carry forward the torch that Planxty lit all those years ago, the music Pat Broaders, Liz Knowles and Kieran O’Hare are making can certainly hold its head high in such exalted company. The Joyful Hour gives out its joy in abundance and deserves a place in anyone’s collection.

Johnny heads up the A3 to Petersfield for a sold-out evening of prime Americana at a new venue Americana at The Studio. Featuring The Savannahs, The Goat Roper Rodeo Band and The Jigantics, word of mouth alone should ensure a rosy future for the venue.

Even if you believe you know what the word ‘personal’ implies, James Patrick Gavin has produced an exceptional album that is sure to make you think again…”For those that have gone and those that are yet to come… …This is a love letter to my family and Ireland.”

Sandwood is the latest offering from Duncan Chisholm. It draws its inspiration from a single location in Sutherland, the furthest northwest part of mainland Scotland. This is music in which to immerse ourselves, allow our minds to build our own links and maybe, one day, to visit.