Albums

American musician and producer Myles Cochran talks us through his latest album Unsung – “Dense without being heavy, intelligent without being esoteric, this is elegant, nuanced music that has been finely crafted and richly woven.”

That Merlynn Belle at first sounds strange is a testament to their unwillingness to bend to rules enforced from the outside world. Once their spell is cast you find them impossible to resist.

The record defies genre with roots in Indian classical music, electronic influences, and exploratory production techniques – it’s traditional yet experimental, meditative yet unsettling. Matthew James Noone’s compositions push and pull, bringing peace while challenging the mind.

While Ignorance is supposed to be an album filled with planetary concerns, there is much that can also be taken on a personal level. It is an album with heart and soul, two commodities that seem to be in short supply these days.

Like Manna from the heavens, this superb collection heralds in the New Year and has to be one of the most significant compilations for many a decade. The fact that this album is advertised as Vol.1 merely adds to the delight.

By any reckoning, Jim Causley’s “Devonshire Roses” has a sweet bouquet of evocative songs. All Devonshire life is here: meat pies, witches, cider, smugglers, ghosts, Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all.

In an era strangely bereft of socially and politically conscious music, it’s a pleasure to hear Sean Taylor at work, and a great reminder of how vital art can be in pursuit of a better, fairer society. Lockdown is a terrific album which deserves to be heard.

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.

Inspired by the spirit of Garcia and Grisman’s The Pizza Tapes, Taco Tapes’ ‘Trad is Rad’ is a fresh and spirited album with an appeal that ranges from old-time music devotees to more experimental inclined ears.

Recorded during their debut tour of America, each song recorded live in a different bookshop, from New Jersey to New York, Colorado to New Mexico, Jay Alm finds his book reading list growing.

Having listened to ‘Draft’ by duo Hairetis Harper, I know I have missed things: subtleties, hints, conversations. And I shall return, many times. For the listener and for the musicians, this is exploring, extemporising, excellent.

Forty Elephant Gang launch their album ‘Next Time Round’ with such a strong opener that it grabs you by the collar and simply won’t let go. An audacious beginning.