Peter Shaw

In All Weather feels like a high watermark (so far) with the promise of great, and greater things to come. It is an artistic triumph, and certainly Josienne Clarke’s most assured work to date. A remarkable, impeccable collection.

This is an album with many highs, with even the more familiar material sounding fresh in the band’s capable hands. Let’s hope this is just a start of their recording journey, as this is a road that’s definitely well worth taking.

With this second remarkable album, Jack Rutter has confirmed himself to be one of the foremost performers of traditional material in the British folk scene. With his voice, alongside his guitar, proving to be an equally enthralling instrument.

Saskia and her band re-present familiar material in an inspirational and contemporary way and for those new to these extraordinary and timeless songs, it may well be the start of a rewarding musical journey.

Wheels of the World is a remarkable achievement: an album that not only sounds like a classic folk album of many years vintage, but it can also stand head-and-shoulders with the best of them too. And it seems like they’ve only just started…

Celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year, Steeleye Span’s latest album finds them on something of a roll as they continue dragging Child Ballads into the 21st century.

Talking Elephant re-issue Silly Wizard’s debut album from 1976 on which there is an authentic display of sterling virtuosity, and also the boldness of a band six years into formation making their first recorded statement.

The Walton Folk Festival team managed to rustle up an equally enthralling lineup, opening with Megson, with highlights from Lukas Drinkwater, Trials of Cato, Hannah Ashcroft, Daria Kulesh, False Lights and more.

On their latest EP, English folk trio Faustus tackle the Lancashire Cotton Famine which brought great hardship, unemployment and hunger among working people. They bring the ghosts of the past to life in their own unique way.

A musical exploration featuring many creatives, What a Boost is a creative high for Rozi Plain, so let’s hope this subtle-but-stunning album gives her the boost she so richly deserves.

It’s an album that solidly consolidates the success of her debut, but digs a little deeper on the way. Spine-tingling and a touch inscrutable. This is an album with mysteries worth investigating.

This Old River is built on the strengths of this duo with Tobias’s brilliant songs and his impassioned vocals delivering every nuance. Matching and elevating this is Lukas’s accompaniment – the whole album is beautiful, compassionate and astonishing.