Philip Thomas

French duo O’o, featuring Victoria Suter and Mathieu Daubigné, have created a challenging but rewarding album. Touche is quite unlike any other album you’ll hear this year.

Ciderhouse Rebellion and Jessie Summerhayes return with Ironstone Tales – immersive, fine music and terrific storytelling. You would need a heart of stone not to enjoy this. We also, have the pleasure of premiering their new video for ‘Be What?’

Ånon II offers something unique both in its contemporary musical expression and interpretation of these old tunes – its strength certainly lies in the communicative power of Ånon Egeland’s playing and this album will hopefully grant him some well-deserved wider exposure.

The music of Tone of Voice Orchestra defies description or categorisation, combining Scandinavian roots with indie folk, jazz and global influences, exceptional harmonies and sophisticated lyrics; they will draw you back again and again. An exceptional debut.

Son of Dave combines the old and the new in such an innovative way and if you like your blues loud, raw and energetic, you will love ‘Call Me King’. It should feature heavily in the ‘Best Blues Album of 2022’  lists when that time of year rolls around.

I don’t believe Johnny Coppin has ever sounded better, and River of Dreams should be well received by established fans and new listeners alike.

Featuring Lebanese singer Pôl Seif and European instrumentalists, Mòlo Sâyat’s music is both chimeric and celebratory, featuring Arabic, Italian and Romani language and a fusion of musical styles; these are players of the highest order. We look forward to the next chapter.

Belgian trio Tamala return with their second album Lumba (“the big day” in Mandinka) with a message for change and a call to stand against the unfair distribution of wealth in the world today.

Monsieur Doumani, the much-acclaimed Cyprus-based trio, return with Pissourin, an enthralling and entertaining fourth album on which the intriguing traditional sounds of the Eastern Mediterranean merge with the contemporary.

Recorded and produced alone, Maarja Nuut’s ‘Hinged’, is an album of exploratory playfulness, enshrined in a strong original approach that’s hard to relate or compare to others. In part, this is where her strength lies…and not knowing where she will take her music next adds to that attraction.

López and Barbas’ “Atlas” is a thoroughly enjoyable album on many levels. If you are missing your travel to sunny climes this music will take you out of yourself for a while. On a deeper level, the music is complex and will invite investigation and exploration.

Released on the award-winning Finnish independent record label Bafe’s Factory, PERTTULA follows his own path on Pajavasara where accordion meets primal rhythmic blacksmith percussion. There is much to enjoy here; prepare for a few surprises.

This collage of sounds from traditional Balkan music and song and modern electronica will delight lovers of dance music and of more experimental sounds in equal measure. A long-awaited debut album from Balkan Taksim that fans and new listeners will welcome.

Fans of the West African style of guitar playing cannot fail to be delighted by the selection from the archive of Shem Tupe, one of the giants of the genre known as Omutibo who, sadly, passed away recently.

Born and raised in Lombardy-speaking Rivoltano, double-bass player Roberto Cassini now calls Perthshire home. Ansema We Stand finds him combining the sounds of his homeland with Scotland, aided by the likes of Anna Massie, Ross Ainslie, Hamish Napier and Greg Lawson. It’s a musical experience that will repay a little patience with huge pleasure.

Based on Matt Carmichael’s debut album we can, and should, expect great things in future from these guys as individuals and as a quartet. Where Will The River Flow is one for late nights…close your eyes and bathe in it! Top-quality music.

Norfolk-based Mari Joyce has produced a richly rewarding, dark and soulful album of complex songs with a spiritual. Great songs and a chance to drift away but not get caught up in the way life is at the moment. A valuable and enjoyable experience.

Harriet Riley and Alex Garden deliver a compelling and beautiful album. If you have an adventurous side to your nature this CD will reward you well.