Albums

On Farran, Mairearad Green & Anna Massie highlight their tight-knit musical telepathy, and relaxed ease of expression, a simply wonderful album from two fine and versatile musicians setting their own course with the clearest sense of direction.

Recorded in the comparative solitude of Wester Ross, Rachel Newton’s ‘West’ never sounds sparse or minimalist, it’s almost as if the setting has helped pour more of herself into this album than ever before. It is a significant accomplishment; a rich, deeply moving, and immensely enjoyable album.

Hannah Rarity’s early promise comes to fruit in this superb album. With her crystal clear voice, sparkling production and thoroughly engaging arrangements, Neath the Gloaming Star is a must-have album for anyone with a love for Scots traditional and contemporary song.

On Poor Stuart, Ben Somers, a saxophone and double bass player with an impressive list of collaborators offers a vast array of musical excursions and highlights on a hugely promising, first solo effort.

The mark of a successful cover is to take the original and, rather than treat it over reverentially, ruffle up its hair, give it a new wardrobe and make it your own. William Elliott Whitmore has full possession here.

The Young’uns earn themselves a very special place in the history of Ceòl Cholasa – The tiny Hebridean Island of Colonsay, population circa 120, location, on the left of Scotland in deep water, finally rose as one to give a standing ovation to the first English band to appear at the festival.

Variously embracing blues, gospel and Americana,  This Too Shall Light, is the second solo album from Amy Helm, daughter of Levon Helm. Produced by Joe Henry, it comprises of a great a mix of originals and covers.

Having released their Tucker Martine-produced fourth album Ruins, at the start of the year, Swedish songbird and songwriter sisters First Aid Kit return with this unexpected and wholly delightful EP Tender Offerings.

While the album may, as a whole, be hung with the shadows of adult life, there’s something here about the blissful innocence of childhood and a future yet unmapped.

Before their recent solo releases, Toby Hay and Jim Ghedi camped in a house in Leeds for a couple of days to put to tape an intriguing set of ten tracks. Hawksworth Grove is a lovely album; calming, rousing and beautifully played throughout.

Johnny pays tribute to the late Maart Allcock who made his final live performance at Cropredy this year and shares his highlights from the festival including Afro Celt Sound System, Midnight Skyracer, Oysterband and Le Vent du Nord.

A fearless and unconventional exploration of traditional music as this powerhouse of a band takes Irish, Scottish, and Bluegrass by the hand and spins them into an album as unique and innovative as it is technically dazzling.