Peter Shaw

Despite performing solo without the many guest musicians featured on Upcetera, Jim Moray proves that just with his guitar, piano, and unaccompanied, he can still deliver an emotional punch – a raw and profoundly moving performance.

Don’t expect wistful nostalgia, Joe and Billy perform these robust songs because they love them and that passion is persuasive. If you don’t already, you’ll end up loving them too. And it’s a journey well worth taking, particularly alongside these two travelling companions.

Jim Causley could croon the phone book and it would still be worth a listen. But with this latest release he has put his pipes to much better use, setting the verses of visionary Cornish poet Jack Clemo to soaring and often profoundly moving music.

In their latest release Megson tackle vital subjects that very few others in any genre of music have the courage to raise. For that alone they should be applauded, but to do it with such skill, sensitivity and class they should be celebrated.

We talk to Ninebarrow a duo who are emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the UK folk scene, winning rave reviews for their recordings and gigs. Expect to hear a lot more from them this year!

In terms of songwriting this is the most mature and dazzling thing that Kris Drever has produced so far. A triumph that confirms his place among the best of the best…one to savour.