Mike Davies

One of the year’s finest releases, both a brilliant introduction to Reg Meuross’ work for newcomers and a superb collection of reworkings for long-standing admirers.

Following the release of her 2015 album, The Ones That Got Away, Paisley-born Jill Jackson returns with her very fine new album “Are We There Yet?’ which was produced by Boo Hewerdine.

At times nakedly exposed, at others complexly layered, introverted yet expansive, it marks a major stride forward in their musical journey, one which, it is hoped will find the travelling companions it so fully deserves.

Brighton-based quartet Hatful of Rain return with a downpour of riches melding together their Celtic, American and English folk influences that have seen their stock increasingly rise since their debut release back in 2012.

Karen Jonas’ third album ‘Butter’ is her broadest offering yet covering folk and country roots as well as ragtime, blues, jazz and barroom soul. “It’s about baking my cake and eating it too.”

Ross says how he loves listening to music that has the artist’s fingerprints all over it.  If you feel the same, then you should get your grubby hands on this one – Unpolished and consciously reflecting what’s going on inside his head.

Minnesota sextet Trampled by Turtles return with ‘Life is Good on the Open Road, their first album in four years and one that finds them on top form. A welcome return.

An album to listen to in the same stillness and hush in which it’s delivered, soaking up the sadness, the hope, the sense of a life lived, it’s a quiet resolution.

Powerfully sung in clear, distinctive tones,  it’s at moments like this that Browne soars above the comparisons and influences with a voice that’s very much her own.

On Matchstick Men, a mingling of Celtic rock and quiet introspection shades much of the album, the songs steeped in reflection and a sense of unease with the present and who or what we are. Despite the self-doubts implicit in the title and many of the lyrics, there’s nothing rudimentary about this.

Castle has long had a fascination with the notion of death and transformation, here, inspired by Joan Didion’s book about grieving – On Grim Reaper, she talks of how her songs hold “the colours of my life.”  They are iridescent.

Part of the Light finds Ray LaMontagne back on the more familiar territory of hooks and choruses, folkier offerings and psychedelic hues that let the sunshine in.