Peter Shaw

The Owl Service delivered a stunning and unforgettable 45-minute set at Leigh Folk Festival, during which they were joined by special guest vocalist and regular collaborator, Alison O’Donnell.

Just a few months on from the release of her stunning album ‘The Pivot On Which The World Turns’, Polly Paulusma has released a ‘sister’ album – ‘When Violent Hot Pitch Words Hurt’, that may even eclipse the original.

Six Out Of Nine is a limited edition EP release from Julie Murphy in which she re-interprets three American standards…all are gems and peerless performances.

For The Night is the best distillation yet of Elephant Sessions’ unique, vibrant musical mash-up of funk, trad and electronica. A captivating brew.

Celebrating three decades of incredible music that has touched the hearts of so many, ’30: Happy Returns’ can’t be faulted. Take a bow, Kate Rusby, and keep shining your light.

A drizzly day in Walton-on-Thames didn’t dampen the spirits of this little festival featuring Ellie Gower, Angeline Morrison, Polly Paulusma, The Outside Track, Wildwood Kin & more.

If you think you know what ‘joyous’ means, you will think again when you’ve heard ‘Not Leaving Quietly’ by Joe Broughton’s Conservatoire Folk Ensemble. It’s breathtaking.

Simon J Jones’ ‘How Things Work’ is a delight from start to finish, celebrating simpler times but with the pioneering spirit of the Ladybird books. Creating stories and soundscapes that seem very current but are somehow timeless, this album is a significant artistic achievement.

On Vulpus, The Drystones successfully fuse 21st-century electronica with contemporary British folk music. If they are the future of folk/dance music, then it is in very safe hands.

I Promised You Light seems to mark a turning point for Josienne Clarke, bursting with possibilities of the next steps for one of the most captivating and affecting musical artists around right now.

With “More Notes From The Field”, Jacob & Drinkwater reach the high-water mark of contemporary folk music. It is an exceptional album that digs deep creatively and emotionally but is also beautiful and accessible.

Granny’s Attic’s bold decision to record an all-instrumental album pays off in droves. With The Brickfields, they have secured their place as one of the most exciting and accomplished English folk acts on the scene right now.