Albums

I can’t fault the playing here one jot, nor indeed the production quality of Volunteer, nor for that matter the songs themselves which clearly display both affection and craft. But I’m left with a nagging feeling that there’s more than a hint of contrivance, “adopting a role” and being all things to all listeners with this album.

A remarkable album of such texture and prowess that at points its scope, concentrated into the workings of two masters of their instruments, takes the breath away. The pacing, structure, packaging and context, including inspired liner notes from Andy Morgan, is all impeccable and it all combines to result in a truly inspired, beautifully conceived project.

You can’t fail to sit there open-mouthed at the astounding dexterity of the playing on Midnight Skyracer’s debut album Fire…It’s hard to believe the band’s been together barely a year!  Yeah, I gotta say it, this CD is tremendous.

Featuring the likes of Michael McGoldrick, Donald Shaw, Adam Holmes and John Smith and more, ‘Love Is The Bridge Between Two Hearts’ is the first duo EP/Album from Heidi Talbot and John McCusker – They have created something which sounds fresh and beautiful.

On Sweet Thursday Ivar tackles contemporary America from a personal standpoint, through the lens of literature and with an omnivorous knowledge of the history of music. Put like that it sounds dry, even academic, but Ivar’s wit and melodic sense ensures that it is nothing of the sort. Watch his new video Down by the Jacaranda.

Dom Flemons pays tribute to the music, culture, and the complex history of the golden era of the Wild West’s and sheds light on the role that African-American, Native American and Mexican men and women pioneers played in westward expansion. An enduring testament to the Black cowboys and what they represent.

ARC is a rich, varied and essential release for anyone who likes traditional music with plenty of thoroughly contemporary reference points and bright tunes that reveal more layers with repeated listening. A superlative work that sounds quite unlike anything else you’ll hear any time soon.

Crockett slips into his songs like a duck to water – It’s hard to imagine what he might have added to enhance this experience, some more songs of course, but Lonesome As A Shadow is small and perfectly formed as it is.

The Brickwork Lizards combine a slew of instruments and influences from all over the world into a musical hybrid that doesn’t take itself too seriously and manages to dazzle, intrigue and entertain. Multi-cultural pop for the world of tomorrow.

Even after several plays, All That Remains remains an enigmatic record, whose resolutely beautiful meanderings are destined to haunt the listener; you simply have to get immersed in Mark and Alison’s visionary music – don’t leave yourself outside!

Changing Colours is the latest album from The Sheepdogs. With the broader musical palette on offer and the substantial quality throughout, this may well be the album that finds them attracting a broader audience outside their native Canada.

Ninebarrow’s The Waters & The Wild is a testament that this is a duo of traditional integrity. They will not conform and jump on the latest bandwagon. Instead, they have the patience and confidence to gently sew new patterns onto familiar tapestry.