Albums

Those Who Roam is a shining example of the enduring appeal of traditional songs, and of Claire Hastings’s exceptional talent for delivering them. Inge Thomson’s production delivers an inventive finish, and, of course, Claire’s clear and inviting vocal shines throughout.

Nighttime Birds pushes the concept of solo guitar music into a new realm. Even with just that in mind, this album is a triumph, but adding the fact that the music itself is so utterly beautiful, patient and often thrilling, further demonstrates the talent and unique artistic vision of Sarah Louise.

Impressionistic rather than explicit, thoughts and emotions are woven through the musical fabric as much as the lyrics on Kaia Kater’s ‘Grenades’, it marks a huge leap on her musical and personal journey, and sharing it is a privilege.

This definitive reissue of Balaklava automatically supersedes any previous CD editions (all inferior in both sound and presentation), while it also serves as a natural memorial for Tom Rapp himself, who passed away only last February while this new edition was being prepared for release.

Highland guitarist and composer and teacher Calum Wood introduces a 90-mile journey from Perthshire, through the Cairngorm National Park and into the Highlands ‘The Snow Roads’.

Leaves That Fly is Kim Richards’ debut album, one informed by her interest in folk tales and Scottish history. Produced by Mike Vass and featuring some top guest musicians we hope this is the first of many.

On ‘Here Come The Young’, Martyn Joseph teams up with producer Gerry Diver. Fire and energy fuel the songs and delivery addressing the uncertainty and the hope for change on both political and personal levels.

Figures and Faces is a hugely promising debut from London-based guitarist and singer songwriter David Gunawardana. Rooted in themes of journey and transition this is one to follow.

Belfast troubadour Joshua Burnside resurrects his 2013 home-recorded EP If You’re Goin’ That Way and repackages it with four new songs and an acoustic version of one of the original tracks. 

This release will delight existing fans, and bring her music to an even wider audience. If you thought you’d heard the best of Iona Fyfe, think again; there’s every indication that Dark Turn of Mind begins a new, captivating chapter.

On Au Cube is a buoyant rebuke of musical conservatism on which Alasdair Roberts is joined by Glasgow-based instrumentalist Neil McDermott and French traditional group Tartine de Clous.

Danny Neill takes an in-depth look Bob Dylan’s lavish 6-CD deluxe box set More Blood, More Tracks and offers his alternative version of ‘Blood On The Tracks’, picked from multiple takes and bountiful selections available across this wonderful box set.