Neil McFadyen

★★★★★ Black Peak’s latest release ‘In Times Back When’ is an album that, while fitting very comfortably within the spectrum of folk music, allows their individuality and skill to shine through.

★★★★★ Aye, with its excellent sleeve notes, is an invaluable release for those keen to learn more about, or introduce others to, Martyn Bennett’s work.

★★★★★ Portico Quartet’s latest album is as engaging as it is experimental and sure to bring them more acclaim and a widening audience.

★★★★★ Bristol quartet Spiro remain unconventional and take their latest release ‘Kaleidophonica’ a significant step further.

Following the release of Foxlight, we were lucky enough to persuade Iarla Ó Lionaird to address a few questions about the album itself and his other projects.

For Celtic Connections 2012, Thea Gilmore brought her much acclaimed Sandy Denny project Don’t Stop Singing to The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow.

Celebrating the links between folk music around the world and protest song, at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.

Read our live Celtic Connections Kris Drever Trio ‘EP Launch’ review with Kris, Éamonn Coyne and Megan Henderson!

Jaadu is a meeting of great musical minds that has resulted in a unique experience and an unforgettable performance.

At First Light took to the stage at the splendid City Halls in Glasgow, in support of Jaadu, as part of Celtic Connections with a set that delighted the audience from start to finish.

The Shoolge Project at Celtic Connections was part gig, part show, part ceilidh…a good night out is rarely as good as this!

Our first in a series of reviews of Celtic Connections 2012: MOVE is a dynamic show that blends traditional and modern cultures.

★★★★★ Gretchen Peters latest album ‘Hello Cruel World’ is a collection of eleven self-written songs that offer a wry, and often intimate view of life and what we make of it.

★★★★★ Aoibhinn Crónán (The Deadly Buzz) is Mick O’Brien and Caoimhin O Raghallaigh second album. It delights from the very first bar, a combination of tradition, skill and sheer love of the music.

★★★★★ The best possible way to appreciate Northern Lights debut release ‘Dubh agus Geal’ and the wealth of creativity, imagination and study that’s gone into the creation of this masterpiece is to immerse yourself completely…

★★★★★ Ooh La Baby is an album that is full of surprises – the biggest surprise being that Galia is yet to break through to the wider audience she deserves.

★★★★★ With Idir, At First Light have presented a hugely enjoyable collection of tunes and songs that will be treasured by listeners!

★★★★★ James Deane’s Diamonds & Hearts has some clever and effective lyrical approaches, a great voice, and a winning way with a guitar.