Neil McFadyen

With their abundant enthusiasm, a mutual empathy bordering on instinct and, above all, a collective passion for the music they play; it’s as a single, cohesive unit that the Andy May Trio shines brightest and About Time is the superb result.

Five years ago Damien O’Kane released his debut solo ‘Summer Hill’. ‘Areas of High Traffic’ is both an extraordinary and brilliant follow-up from an immensely talented musician and singer.

We catch up with Scottish folk singer Karen Matheson, our Artist of the Month, to talk about the background and inspiration behind her new album ‘Urram’. We also discuss Gaelic culture and a possible performance at Celtic Connections.

I’m Walkin’ Here is the latest gem from Rab Noakes, featuring new songs, lovingly described as 21st Century skiffle, as well as songs he’s collected for interpretation. Rab is joined by a a great lineup including a stellar array of singers with Roddy Hart, Emma Pollock, Jimmie Macgregor, Barbara Dickson and more.

We are very honoured to have Karen Matheson as our Artist of the Month for October. Her latest album ‘Urram’ is bold, imaginative and a thrill to listen to. It’s the next step in a fascinating journey, one that unites the voices of the Hebrides with traditional and classical musicians from Scotland, Senegal, and India.

Produced by Dave Stewart, The Lake Poets is the debut release from Sunderland singer/song writer Martin Longstaff, one on which his distinctive voice and capacity for forging a strong lyric from his own experience shines through.

Shooglenifty have been at the top of their game since they took the trad music scene by storm 25 years ago. They continue to whip up a frenzy in performance, and never fail to innovate in the studio. With The Untied Knot they continue to blaze their particular, spectacular trail and give every indication that the journey is set to continue.

Ross Ainslie brings together a highly talented cast on his latest album Remembering, all of whom are aware of the uniqueness of this project; and that awareness shines through in the music. This is a substantial step forward for Ross.

Man is Made is the second album from Michael Edgar and seems a natural and welcome progression from his debut release ‘Shine’. Michael has his own voice, and it’s a very appealing one. He has his own stories to tell; and on Man Is Made, they’re well worth listening to.

Solid song writing and one of this year’s finest vocal performances have combined with Steven Polwart’s engaging arrangements and Mattie Foulds’ atmospheric production to create an album that showcases Mairi Orr’s vibrant love of acoustic music, story-telling gift and ability as a performer.

In Spinning Yarns, Norah Rendell not only shares with us her hypnotic, lilting voice and her skilled arrangements of the songs she’s collected; but also sharing (through fascinating sleeve notes) the stories of those songs and the people who sang them. This album is a must for anyone with a love of traditional song.

Adam Holmes & The Embers continue to follow up the success of last year’s debut album, Heirs & Graces, with live dates up and down the country. On Friday night it was the chance for a Glasgow audience to enjoy the band, thanks to The Fallen Angels Club at the thriving Centre for Contemporary Arts; with up and coming solo performer Genesee providing the opening set.

Almost twenty years since their first release, Mellowosity, with Blackhouse the Peatbog Faeries have proven, yet again, that their music, while staying in the same musical vein that keeps live audiences on their feet, they can still move the music forward, provide a fresh approach, and keep that audience coming back time and again.

Dreamer’s Circus have proven they will refuse, gleefully, to be restricted by genre or by tradition. Their approach is all-embracing and their technical ability simply outstanding. Their music is completely accessible and, at the same time, remarkable in its complexity. ‘Second Movement’ carries the listener from calm contemplation to a euphoric exuberance – a journey to be relished.

Rural Music is a collection of songs that exudes contentment. Absorbing lyrics, eloquent story-telling and a thoroughly engaging sound create enough sunshine to thaw those snowy hilltops. Seek out this album from Ash Hunter , and get your summer off to a good start. You won’t regret it.

Ryley Walker writes songs that reach deep, and sings them from the depth of his own soul. On Primrose Green he plays guitar like he was born clutching a fret board and has never let go. Driven to perform and hungry for an outlet, he delivers bursts of nostalgia, strongly spiced with passages (not moments) of true genius, through contemporary media and with utter sincerity.

You need a class act to support a band with a reputation like The Punch Brothers – gifted singer Siobhan Miller was perfect, an unforgettable performance at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

The Punch Brothers gave the Celtic Connections crowd an unforgettable performance including unplugged delights and voice only performance of ‘The Auld Triangle’ as performed on Inside Llewyn Davis.