Albums

As Julie Fowlis continues to develop her broad repertoire of Gaelic song, alterum succeeds in exploring connections with other languages, cultures and art forms that enrich her music even further. Above all, though, alterum is, quite simply, an album of the most beautiful music.

With his fourth studio album The Water Of Leith released this month, Blue Rose Code continues to draw on his increasingly inventive ability, as he quietly weaves flavours from a range of musical influences and personal experience, to produce his most thoroughly absorbing album to date.

Lankum may have a new name, but they are still one of the most talented and original bands around, and Between the Earth & The Sky is a vital, bracing piece of work.        

Megan Henwood’s emerging maturity as a songwriter and performer resonates throughout the twelve songs on River on which a fascinating soundscape accentuates her consistently tight and skilful writing and singing.

The latest offering from Pilgrims’ Way finds them pushing the envelope in a daring move which pays off beautifully on Stand and Deliver, a concept album which will raise the spirits and a smile or two.

Comprised of folk/bluegrass musicians Paddy Kiernan and Niall Hughes together with Iranian born brothers Shahab and Shayan Coohe, Navá explores the ancient musical cultures of Ireland and Persia.

With Gigspanner, Peter Knight has assembled one of the most quietly brilliant sets of musicians in the folk world and beyond. The WIfe Of Urban Law is both experimental and accessible; it is music that respects the past without being in thrall to it. And more importantly, it is a record of stunning and sustained beauty. 

The songs on Lucy Kitchen’s ‘Sun to my Moon’ are strong and striking, delivered with both fragility and conviction, which deserve to be heard. A gorgeous, atmospheric offering.

Ten great tracks from Old Salt Union that have set out their stall on this, their Compass Records debut. They have more than enough talent and go to make it and I am already looking forward to their follow-up.

Captured over two consecutive nights at The Sofa Sessions and home base in King’s Cliffe Jez Hellard’s upbeat D’rect from The Shire is sure to please fans and find plenty of new ones along the way.

Laced with sadness and joy, melancholy and anger,  Glasgow is a magnificent piece of work that both celebrates the city and underscores Findlay Napier as one of the finest songwriters and storytellers of the contemporary Scottish folk scene.

On Tales From The North Calum Stewart joins the ranks of thoroughly modern Uilleann pipers, who are steeped in their own tradition but cross borders to bring in other influences. He can also write a damned fine tune.