Neil McFadyen

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.

Highland guitarist and composer and teacher Calum Wood introduces a 90-mile journey from Perthshire, through the Cairngorm National Park and into the Highlands ‘The Snow Roads’.

This release will delight existing fans, and bring her music to an even wider audience. If you thought you’d heard the best of Iona Fyfe, think again; there’s every indication that Dark Turn of Mind begins a new, captivating chapter.

Having shared our Top 100 Albums of 2018, it’s time for a few select Top 10 albums of the year from some of our Feature writers. Neil McFadyen shares his Top 10 albums that have made the strongest impact on him in the last year.

The Outside Track weave wonderful music that entertains, fascinates and rewards. Rise Up is a magnificent album that puts them firmly back in the spotlight, as one of the most accomplished bands on the international folk scene.

We were in Perth on Saturday, for the annual The MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. It certainly has been another great year – as Hands up for Trad Creative Director Simon Thoumire said “There is so much vitality in the scene right now and it is only getting stronger. Roll on 2019.”

Featuring Brian Ó hEadhra & Fiona Mackenzie and produced by Mike Vass, TÌR: Highland Life & Lore is an inspired, beautiful album and is destined to become a classic of contemporary folk music.