Mike Davies

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.

Musically and lyrically Sermon On The Rocks is a stunning piece of work that finds Josh Ritter at the peak of his very considerable powers and is, arguably, his best album to date.

Step-siblings Martha Wainwright and Lucy Wainwright Roche share with us songs that shaped their childhoods, whilst rather more for grown up ears we suggest you invest in a copy for your next slumber party.

As the torch passes from one generation to the next Stourbridge-based outfit Kim Lowings & The Greenwood demonstrate that British folk music continues to remain in very good hands.

The Self Help Group take the lives of others and, in their telling or adaptation, bring insightful, poignant and compassionate observations that touch on what it means to be human, enfolding these in melodies that draw on the very best of classic West Coast Americana.

Martyn Joseph’s latest offering is a superb contribution to his art and activism, a safe haven from the bluster and banality that often passes for the music world’s social commentary. Seek asylum within.