Albums

Letters Never Read presents a further ten helpings of Dori Freeman’s stunning singing voice and keenly-observed songwriting that proves an ideal companion to her eponymous debut album that had her hailed as “the new voice of Appalachia”.

Many artists make late-career albums that are treasured by fans, but not always appreciated by critics. This release, featuring a special collection of songs, taken from throughout Hillman’s career, is thoughtfully recorded and produced by Tom Petty. One for fans and newcomers.

In her thematic approach, Kirsty Merryn’s album is following in the path of Tori Amos and Carol Ann Duffy, who have, respectively, written songs or poems about or in the persona of famous women. She deserves to reap similar rewards. Also, watch the video premiere for Forfarshire featuring Steve Knightley.

dbh has been involved with plenty of interesting music coming out of Manchester for many years now but he also creates his own mercurial and gorgeous solo albums, which Mass is the third of – a mesmerising and constantly engaging thirty-seven minutes.

The East Pointers return to Uffington where an enthusiastic audience were ready to take to the floor in a set featuring the old and new and a few surprises. They certainly lifted the spirits of any that were dampened by the wet weather outside.

With Dead Man’s Dance (Dawns y Gŵr Marw) ALAW have not only created an impressive follow up to their 2013 debut, they’ve surpassed the brilliance of Melody with an even more invigorating, wider-ranging exploration of Welsh poetic and musical traditions. It is an inspired and unique album.

On the evidence of the music presented here by Saz’iso, Saze as a musical form undoubtedly warrants a wider exposure and should stand alongside son, marimba, fado etc. as being part of every discerning music-lover’s collection.  This release is a dish to be savoured. 

Featuring members of Jez Lowe’s band, The Mile Roses are Edwina Hayes, Kate Bramley and Simon Haworth. Their self-titled debut album features a fine array of folk and roots numbers which is sure to set them on a good roll.

The Deep Dark Woods have created a kind of dark folk-rock that seems to have materialised organically. There’s a lot to admire on Yarrow, both from the band’s playing and from Ryan Boldt’s song writing. The woods are lovely dark and deep.

Forest Fire is Toronto-based artist-turned singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi’s fourth album. Highlights include a Lynn Miles cover written and delivered firmly in the mode of Janis Ian.

Karine Polwart’s music and poetry, with Pippa Murphy’s exquisite settings, haven’t replicated the theatre production; it has brought Wind Resistance to a wider audience, furnished it with portability. Beautiful, potent, and engaging; A Pocket of Wind Resistance gives Karine Polwart’s enthralling theatrical début a satisfying permanence.

It’s no wonder that Naomi and Paul received such a warm, exuberant reception in Glasgow. Over the course of two sets they performed such a startling variety of music, and they performed it with elegance, warmth and, above all, passion. Expect the unexpected when you go to see Naomi Bedford and Paul Simmonds play live.