Albums

It’s not unusual for artists plying an Americana trade to be likened to Townes Van Zandt, John Prine and Bob Dylan – it’s rare for a female singer to attract such comparisons. Vancouver’s Steph Cameron is both an exception and exceptional. This is just the start of what promises to be a brilliant career.

Subtitled Songs of the Sea, Coast, Fishing, Rivers, Lovers and Banishment, The Turn of the Tide is Pete McClelland’s second album within a few months. We recommend you should put the boat out and shore up the collection with this too.

Massachusetts folk-country quartet, The Novel Ideas offer up a hugely rewarding listen on their self-titled third album which has a highly attractive Americana sound dealing with themes of love and loss.

As If In A Dream I Drifted At Sea is a hugely impressive debut from Daniel Gadd that calls to mind late 60s folk troubadours and shades of Dylan and Cohen. This UK release is sure to bring the acclaim and exposure he so deserves.

Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, Richie and Rosie release their second album this month. Nowhere in Time features songs and tunes of variety and clarity with elements of reflection and introspective lyrics. Give it a go.

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.