Neil McFadyen

The unique and utterly fascinating elemental power of Lewis born Iain Morrison’s music has never had a more emotive outlet than SÀL. He has surpassed even his own high standards in a work of unparalleled potency.

Dick Gaughan’s greatest talent has to be his ability to share his music with skill, passion and humour. That fact is abundantly clear on The Harvard Tapes, a unique and unmissable opportunity to relish a vintage Gaughan performance.

With the release of 365: Volume Two, Aidan O’Rourke continues to present highlights from both his music and James Robertson’s stories; and again collaborates with piano and harmonium player Kit Downes. His musical responses provide a fascinating, detailed and perfectly executed musical miscellany.

On 4am And Counting, Curse Of Lono deliver a series of assured and masterful live studio performances, for an outstanding album that can sit proudly alongside its two predecessors.

Kate Rusby’s 17th studio album “Philosophers, Poets & Kings” is utterly delightful; she journeys into new territory while maintaining that unshakeable bond to her musical heritage. One of her finest albums to date.

Antonio Forcione (Italy), Seckou Keita (Senegal) and Adriano Adewale (Brazil) bring together the musical traditions of three continents with contemporary themes and rhythms in an utterly beguiling album.

Ross Wilson, aka Blue Rose Code, talks to Folk Radio UK about his new show ‘This Is Caledonian Soul’ which returns to The Queen’s Hall in August and heads to London’s Union Chapel in September.

Singing It All Back Home has all the passion and history of the characters that populate these stories; Naomi Bedford & Paul Simmonds paint them in a fascinating new light, while holding fast to their enduring heritage in an outstanding album.

Wonderful Fairytale sees Bill Jones return in excellent form, with an exceptional album that fulfils the promise of her early career, and confirms that this gifted performer still has so much to offer.

Kathryn Tickell’s music flows so naturally you could be forgiven for thinking it’s plucked from the air. Hollowbone belies that notion in magnificent style. The music is complex and animated, exploring the mists of millennia but singing in a clear, contemporary voice… a wonderful, brave, and intoxicating album.

Changeable Heart’s soul is in the traditions from which Ruth Notman and Sam Kelly draw their inspiration, but at its heart is a series of exquisite vocal duets from two of the finest voices in the land. It’s a marvellous, elegant and finely crafted album that will long be remembered as one of this year’s highlights.

The Gloaming 3, sees the band take the step into the unknown with an even wider exploration of the possibilities that music presents… a bold, beguiling, magnificent album.

With the recent release of ‘A Lifetime of Happiness’, we catch up with Dublin’s Daoirí Farrell to talk about his new album and the influences behind it. Don’t miss his upcoming tour in March/April.

This is music in evolution. Melody, poetry, emotion and memory weave in and out like stories. Midnight And Closedown is the next chapter in Lau’s fascinating story. As ever from Lau, it’s a unique and exceptional album.

Daoirí Farrell, our Artist of the Month, returns this month with his third solo album, A Lifetime of Happiness. The songs are delivered with infinite care and deep affection; it is a wonderful album that delights on every level.

At the National Piping Centre on Saturday, Cormac took to the stage surrounded by around 8 or 9 concertinas, and it was clear that each one was going to have a fascinating story to tell… all delivered with seemingly boundless energy, infectious passion and astounding skill.

James Patrick Gavin’s ‘Chewing The Fat’ is a beautiful, imaginative album that anyone with a love of contemporary folk music should have in their collection; it was a joy to witness that music brought to the stage in such an accomplished manner.

Those Who Roam is a shining example of the enduring appeal of traditional songs, and of Claire Hastings’s exceptional talent for delivering them. Inge Thomson’s production delivers an inventive finish, and, of course, Claire’s clear and inviting vocal shines throughout.