Albums

Stella Sommer’s ‘Northern Dancer’ is a stunning piece of work, full of hush and swell, profoundly evocative and brilliantly, lovingly composed.

Dainty, decorative and masterful are never so well combined, Ida Lune is audibly reminiscent of a singing crystal glass and the saintly echoing of a Renaissance church choir that lingers in its path.

There is something pure and beautiful about ‘Home Recordings’ that finely balances and sets it apart from any other Martin Simpson album I can think of. A wonderful achievement and gratefully received.

Jim White’s Misfit’s Jubilee illustrates that you don’t always need to be stone-cold sober to see the realities of today. You just have to be honest. That’s the kind of truth we all can use.

Sam Amidon’s self-titled release is a dreamy listen and despite its ‘folktronica’ vibe, a curiously ageless recording. A handsome and entirely seductive album.

Tom McConville’s latest offering ‘Plenty For The Few’ is a generous crossover blend of influences – a scintillating journey through Tyneside, Irish, American, Scottish, folk, bluegrass, swing and more. A magnificent album.

Vana sees Ross Ainslie at his most musically vigorous, experimental, and confident. A more introspective release – a journey album – linger in it and you’ll be much rewarded.

David Boulter’s ‘Yarmouth’ takes you back in time as you step off the train and revisit a seaside town of your youth. Can you truly recapture the past? Boulter comes pretty close…

Within the space of these four songs Dex Wolfe ends up crafting something with great meaning, not just for these times, but virtually any time.

Kronos Quartet deliver an album of the highest quality, a great celebration of Pete Seeger, the justice he stood for and the encouragement to stand up for ourselves and our community, a great addition to any collection. Excellent.

VanWyck’s ‘God is in the Detour’ is one of those consistently rewarding albums that make your musical detour into perhaps new and previously unknown territory well worthwhile.

Their finest hour yet, a musically gentle listening experience, suffused with both love and sadness and, as the title implies, a reminder that while we may be apart our voices are not silenced.