Paul Woodgate

‘Something In The Water’ proves that the music and roots of the last American century are as relevant today as they were when Guthrie rode the rails and Chicago Blues, Western Swing and Ragtime were the only soundtrack oiling the gears of the nation’s radio stations. Performed with conviction, full of great songs, it has truth running through it like a paddle-steamer winding down the Mississippi.

They enjoy a robust on-stage relationship that fuels their artistry. Neither appears to have an answer to where the person ends and the music begins – that puzzle is one part of what makes the Milk Carton Kids so special and their new album Monterey is no exception.

Folk Radio catches Dean Owens at his album launch show for ‘Into The Sea’ at London’s Green Note. He sings ‘six songs, six possible singles; it really is that strong an album.’ Let’s hope Owens doesn’t leave it long before returning south of the border again.

Folk Radio get a double treat from Robert Chaney and Barna Howard at London’s Servant Jazz Quarters – “Both songwriters could have played all night and it would not have been enough.”

2015 will be the third year Folk East has set its stall out in the grounds of Glemhall Hall. Paul heads to their press day where he chats to Neil Innes, The Young’uns and more.

With a win at the famous Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Trout Steak Revival place their best foot forward with their new album Brighter Every Day…it’s certainly looking that way.

I’m with Her is Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan and Sara Watkins. Paul headed to London’s Union Chapel to catch them and got a double helping with a top support slot by Sussex born Samuel Ford and a surprise appearance from John Paul Jones.

Neither folk nor funk, blues or prog, If I Had Wings is a delicate, sophisticated cocktail of flavours that meet the rim of the glass just so. Stirred, not shaken. “This is the album I always wanted to make but never dared to” says Philips, we’re glad he did.

Paul heads to Leytonstone’s ‘What’s Cookin’ for an evening of great entertainment from Mark Olson and his wife Ingunn Ringvold. Supported by Welsh/Mississippi duo Lewis and Leigh. Another superb night he shares for you here.

Kate Rusby works her magic once again at the Civic Theatre, Chelmsford – an invitation to step outside of your own world and to join hers for a brief moment, to become part of the great tradition that has seen songs passed to her from her parents and from her and Damien to their children. A superb evening that our reviewer Paul shares here.

Perhaps the most delicious element of Raised By Wolves is the lack of resolution. Lyrically Ritter occupies the thin line in-between pain and pleasure, the hinterland where pack animals are as comfortable together as they are alone. The album is fun, feisty and on the odd occasion, feral.

Bella Hardy’s seventh studio album ‘With The Dawn’ contains originals that deftly bridges new and old, forging new links between the two without forgetting the importance of the song, another feather in the cap for an award winning artist.