Albums

Lyrically and musically The Hanging Stars use A New Kind Of Sky to chart a new course through the folk-rock minefield. Along the way, they establish a new pathway to the future by revisiting but not idolizing the past.

Patricia De Mayo is one of the rarest of performers, virtually unknown, yet a truly remarkable performer whose latest album, The Apricot Tree, resonates in ways many seasoned artists can only hope to achieve…music both rich in tone and lyrical beauty.

Anyone witnessing their live appearances will testify to Kathryn Roberts’ and Sean Lakeman’s massive natural talent for storytelling in song, which On Reflection both acknowledges and celebrates through contemporary revisits that prove totally engaging.

Fairport Convention are still making consistent music that never falls below the top-notch bracket. Shuffle And Go is another solid, and solidly desirable, entry in the Fairport canon.

Just one airing of the five songs present on J.R. Proctor’s EP was evidence enough for me to keep close tabs on his future releases. With such an assured, relaxed sound this should set him well on his way.

It’s an old myth that there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but seek out Ian Roland and The Subtown Set’s ‘Double Rainbow’ and you’ll be well-rewarded.

With Hypernova, Jiggy returns to pull off the same magic act, this time with an even larger cast of characters bringing yet more diversity and inspiration. An album that is a joy to listen to whether you’re up dancing or sat in your armchair.

I am moved not only by William Prince’s stately songs but also by his eloquent message in the sleeve-notes.  A compelling storytelling songwriter that has justifiably been compared to John Prine, Townes Van Zandt and Kris Kristofferson.

As a unit, Darling West are solid, assured and continue to embark on a cosmic journey that this record shows, is unfolding with a bold maturity…a super quality album.

Like the sound of the wind in the reeds from which Yeats took inspiration, Abbé’s music is full of shifting natural beauty, whispers and sighs that could be sounds of sorrow or of love. Numberless Dreams is masterful in its delivery and intriguing in its opacity.

Touching on both loneliness and the need for solitude, Cousins has reached within and emerged with an album that fully rewards on both a musical and emotional level. There’s no false bravado here.

A terrific follow-up to her 2014 sophomore album, Undercover finds Bronwynne Brent exploring broader influences resulting in a far jazzier sound. An irresistible album. Don’t miss her upcoming UK tour dates.