Albums

Ross Hammond’s “It’s Been Here All Along” is a pleasure to listen to and a fine example of the richness that can be found in the simplicity and purity of solo guitar music.

Over eleven years of gigs and now four studio albums, Mànran have always shown a healthy appetite for innovation but with Ùrar they’ve taken that to a new level. With a new line-up, they’ve produced an album that sets a fresh benchmark against which to judge contemporary Gaelic music.

Mr. Alec Bowman_Clarke’s “A Place Like Home” establishes that he is an artist of extraordinary depth, exposing the inner voices, thoughts and terrors of his own human frailty.

Solely, is the second album from Natalie Jane Hill. She exposes herself on a level that many of us would choose not to. That she has the bravery to bare it all makes it a remarkably mature work.

Not a lot of music holds the determination and depth Darragh O’Dea shows on Tilly and the Postmaster. This is a disc for anyone who appreciates the power of music – to expose, to endure and in the end, to provide hope.

‘You Don’t Have To Know’ showcases Eleanor Buckland’s raw honesty and deft songcraft which finds her rising above, casting out, and ultimately owning the dark emotions that fuel such soul-baring lyrics.

The joy and pleasure Dan Walsh exudes during this live performance is striking. Recorded in his hometown of Stafford, Live at The Floodgate, captures the magic and glow of Walsh at his very best.

Nora Brown returns with ‘Sidetack My Engine’ featuring special guests Jerron ‘Blindboy’ Paxton and Jackson Lynch, an excellent album that marks the next chapter for this accomplished performer.

Will Varley’s ‘The Hole Around My Head’ contains some of the best material he’s written to date. It’s a magnificent album that mines diamonds of hope from the rock of despair

Toby Hay puts down his guitar and takes to the harp for two beautiful improvised pieces recorded at his home in mid-Wales with David Ian Roberts on guitar. These two journey-like pieces will transport the listener. This is music you will constantly return to.

Featuring music that spans her vibrant 24-year career, Sarah McQuaid’s ‘The St Buryan Sessions’ is a wonderful, expressive and intimate live album from a consummate performer.

Afterlight is indisputably one of her very best. The former Thea Gilmore can justifiably stand back and be proud of the new woman, the new artist she has become. Long may the Afterlight shine.