Mike Davies

Tim O’Brien’s latest offering ‘Pompadour’ offers a new approach from the bluegrass maestro – with a greater emphasis on electric guitar and mandolin expect a few surprises.

Unfussy, simple and heartfelt, it’s one of those albums that curls up in your lap when you need a little comfort and leaves you ready to face the day anew.

The Unthanks ‘Archive Treasures’ is described by Adrian McNally as a shelf-clearing selection of snapshots and missing jigsaw pieces providing head space for the next ten years. Here’s hoping they continue with their archiving.

At this stage in their musical careers Nettlesmith may harbour no ambitions beyond a healthy local date sheet and shifting some copies of the CD at gigs. On the evidence here, they may need to revise that upwards.

Jake Aaron’s self-titled debut adopts a speak-sing delivery whilst accompanying himself on acoustic classical guitar an instrument he is more than adept at as he demonstrates on the one instrumental.

Dublin singer-songwriter Marc Carroll has consistently received good reviews and the praise of his contemporaries without ever making the big breakout he deserves. … this is another fine addition to his outstanding catalogue.

This tribute album serves as a welcome reminder of the great Ted Hawkins, bringing together a diverse collection of artists to record a selection of Hawkins’ own songs including Shinyribs, Mary Gauthier, James McMurtry and more.

Ethan Johns returns with his third album and a stellar guest cast including BJ Cole, Jeremy Stacey, Gillian Welch and onetime Flying Burrito Brother and Eagle Bernie Leadon.

A very welcome return from the soft-voiced Leeds-born singer-songwriter Pete Greenwood with Beauceron, one on which he again tips the hat to 60s American folk music influences as well as homegrown guitar pickers Davy Graham and Bert Jansch….this is pretty special.

Five-piece Birmingham based outfit Boat to Row release their long anticipated debut album, a magnificent collection featuring Mike King’s very distinctive vocals, complemented by the simple but intoxicating melodies and multi-textured arrangements.

Soundtrack to a Ghost Story is an outstanding album, the brainchild of producer Neilson Hubbard in collaboration with Ben Glover and fellow singer-songwriter Joshua Britt, the album and its accompanying documentary are rooted in Civil War history.

Happy Blue, by Miracle Mile frontman Jones is much to do with the past and reminiscence and includes a deeply moving tribute to his father, his life, his struggles and how he shaped his son’s heart.