Mike Davies

TumbleWeedyWorld is a terrific album on which Lynn Miles continues to consolidate her reputation as one of Canada’s most formidable songwriters.

John Ward’s ‘Congress’ album is a solidly crafted collection of songs and poetic narratives based around the real events of Buffalo Bill’s visit to the UK in 1903 and 1904.

In Stolen From God, Reg Meuross has unquestionably written his masterpiece in a song cycle that turns an unflinching eye on the toxic legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, especially in his home in the South West of England.

Tell Me World is the debut album from Tapestri, a duo featuring Lowri Evans and Sarah Zyborska and surely a contender for the Welsh answer to First Aid Kit.

Milton Hide’s album was designed to capture the serenity of walking the ancient path through the intertwined trees; The Holloway definitely has its fingers dipped in the sparkle jar.

Produced by Jack Schneider, who also plays lead guitar, When The Trouble’s All Done is a highly promising debut album that very much marks Ellie Turner out as one to watch.

Featuring a wealth of special guests, including Brenn Hill, Dom Flemons, Corb Lund, Pipp Gillette, Tom Russell, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Brigid Reedy, Waddie Mitchell, and Andy Wilkinson, Andy Hedges’ ‘Roll On’ Cowboys’ is a vital contribution to preserving the musical history and heritage of arguably the most iconic and defining quintessence of America. 

“What Are We Trying To Say?” is Megson’s thirteenth album and their first studio recording in four years. Despite the title, they do know what they’re trying to say and do so entertainingly and pithily…seek it out.

Featuring one of the most striking songs I’ve heard this year, Songs For John Alfred marks the arrival of a conspicuous new voice on the folk-Americana circuit; a full album from Broken Harbours is eagerly awaited.

With Almost a Sunset, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman draw on traditional roots, refracted through a contemporary lens; this is not so much a sunset as the dawn of a glorious new chapter in their increasingly illustrious career.

Five years on from his last release, Slaid Cleaves returns with ‘Together Through The Dark’, an album that reinforces his status as one of Americana’s finest singer-songwriters on a collection of songs that speak of loss, longing, change and trying to make it through.

Iris Dement is not dictated to by label demands and deadlines, so when she releases her first album of original material in over a decade, she has something to say. Workin’ On A World is insightful, thoughtful and essential listening. This is the sacred now.