Mike Davies

Brennen Leigh returns with her Robbie Fulks-produced solo album tribute to her birthplace. If you like old-time country, then really, this is as good as it gets.

As with the previous volume, it’s hard to believe Gillian Welch has kept a lid on the bulk of these songs for well over a decade, I can’t wait to hear what further nuggets will be revealed in Vol 3.

Reflective and tinged with sadness, but also inspirational and optimistic, this makes a persuasive claim to be up there among the year’s best.

Concerned with variations on the theme of home, Paul Armfield’s new offering, available in a beautifully presented box edition, is a majestic, timeless album, domestic bliss if you will.

Whether you are a long time admirer or a newcomer just discovering Oh Sussana’s charms, this is a sterling reminder of her artistry.

Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff, finds veteran singer-songwriter Grant-Lee Phillips addressing the strange fragility of life.

With ‘Into The Depths of Hell’, Belfast-based Joshua Burnside delivers yet another challenging but electrifying album. Potent and thought-provoking, it’s one to cherish.

Wells describes The United State as being about what it means to be human, of the journey from cradle to grave and what connects us along the way

For Western Swing & Waltzes, Colter Wall’s third album, he has immersed himself in America’s cowboy song tradition…saddle up and ride with him on these happy trails.

Jonas reminds us that while dreams may so often be shattered, it’s still better to look for glimpses of the light than resign ourselves to the dark.

Canada has already fallen under folk singer-songwriter Evangeline Gentle’s spell, now it’s time to follow suit as her debut album is released internationally.

The equivalent of being gifted all those Dylan and Springsteen songs hitherto locked away unknown and unheard in the vaults. We’re looking forward to Vol 2 and 3.