Albums

Anna and Elizabeth are curators of a rich and varied musical tradition, of which change and growth is also an important part. This willingness to experiment has helped produce a piece of work that, if there is any justice in the world, will be recognised as one of the groundbreaking American folk albums of this century.   

Annie Lou has become one of the true treasures of contemporary Canadian folk music, and the architect of a sequence of albums I cannot recommend highly enough.

Ray Cooper’s song writing shines brightly on his latest offering. Between the Golden Age and the Promised Land is an album full of treats for the senses and with plenty to exercise the mind.

There are layers of nostalgia in Hospital Hill, the new album from Jack Carty and Gus Gardiner. The nostalgia may belong to them in many ways but there is an evocation of times gone by that will strike a chord at some point or other with any listener.

With each successive release, Dàimh seem to exceed their aspirations, creating and recording peerless new music. The Rough Bounds is an exceptional album, from an exceptional band.

On the evidence of this recording, The Jellyman’s Daughter, have plotted a careful course and are set fair for the greater horizons that undoubtedly lie ahead. 

One of the greatest strengths of this album is the sheer breadth and diversity of the music on offer, such is the eclectic nature of Fran’s song-writing. For those looking for originality and an alternative to the bland offerings of ‘mainstream’ singer-songwriters, then Wood For The Trees blows in like a breath of fresh air on a balmy spring day.

With its Spaghetti Western overtones and Opry undertones, Ortega blends the dark and the light without stumbling too far into either. Liberty samples long untouched art forms and taps into long untouched feelings. A gem of emotional candour, Liberty is a strong and distinct voice within Ortega’s discography.

Shortwinger is a distinctive, purposeful and powerful record, and represents a typically well-considered new chapter in the artistic development of its three participants, all on top form and working brilliantly together in sparky and harmonious consort.

On his 11th album, Michael McDermott’s confidence and talent have finally aligned. Both personally and musically, he’s become the person he was always meant to be. His best yet.

With Songs From The Seasons, Joshua Burnell delivers a collection of assured, dynamic takes on a wide range of folk songs. An album full of loving detail and exceptional musicianship, an album of genuine ambition, scope and variety.

The Poozies new album ‘Punch’ is the first to feature new recruits Tia Files and Sarah McFadyen. Like the title, the album possesses an underlying sense of drive and energy, of vim, verve and sheer pizzaz.