Albums

On Goes West, the idea of William Tyler staying with the acoustic has helped produce his most focused album yet. Modern Country was a seriously tough act to follow, but it seems a move to California has very much agreed with this guitarist.

The Outside Track weave wonderful music that entertains, fascinates and rewards. Rise Up is a magnificent album that puts them firmly back in the spotlight, as one of the most accomplished bands on the international folk scene.

Part One of our Best Folk Albums of 2018 includes Brigid Mae Power, Anna & Elizabeth, Aidan O’Rourke, Eamon O’Leary, Buck Curran, Cath & Phil Tyler, Dom Flemons, Kitty Macfarlane, Mike Vass, Toby Hay, Duncan Chisholm and more.

The Maritime Suite charts a fascinating voyage, and Fellside are to be congratulated on a splendid package. This release serves to further confirm and cement Peter Bellamy’s elevated stature and status.

Supported by the likes of Eliza Carthy, Martin Simpson & Sam Carter, Steve Turner returns with his eighth solo album ‘Late Cut’. This is music that exists in a timeless realm, as is the case with all great music recorded with love, mastery and sincerity. An album of immense distinction.

With very few exceptions, the songs on ‘Where the White Roses Grow’ paint a picture of Yorkshire life: from the hardened drinkers to the workers sacrificed in the building of a railway tunnel, and the growing band of Robin Hood followers reclaiming the man in green for South Yorkshire.

John Kirkpatrick’s Carolling and Crumpets is an excellent antidote to the perpetual Wizzard and Slade drummed into shoppers ears this time of year. There are no airs, no graces, just a man and his instrument, a few stories and a set of good songs.

The Golden Angle is an admirable work with great potential, and David Benedict has truly proven himself among leaders of a generation of musicians guiding bluegrass into new pastures.

This is an impressive album, blending the traditional folk of artists like Denny, Jansch, and the Thompsons, with more contemporary sounds from alt-folk artists like Ryley Walker. We strongly recommend giving it a listen.

We were in Perth on Saturday, for the annual The MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. It certainly has been another great year – as Hands up for Trad Creative Director Simon Thoumire said “There is so much vitality in the scene right now and it is only getting stronger. Roll on 2019.”

Sebastian and Natalie Bryce are two very talented people. The care they have exercised in producing this album is very evident: it is no wonder that they have caught the ear of BBC R6 and others. It is an exceptional album.

Chris Wood is one of the few song writers on the circuit today who can artfully present the lives and situations of the world around us. And do it so beautifully. He does indeed give us the medicine we need to carry on to the next day.