Albums

For a debut EP, you couldn’t hope for a stronger start. Christy Scott’s Amaranthine is a gem of an EP that showcases a fine young talent backed by a superb cast of musicians with Scott Wood at the production helm. One to watch for.

They make my spice shelf look boring. Bristol-based band Solana deliver an accomplished and colourful album with Camino, one that will definitely keep you up on your toes. When you finish, press play again.

Josienne Clarke partners with jazz pianist Kit Downes for ‘Such a Sky’. Whether this is a one-off or a prelude to further collaborations remains to be seen, but, for now, just enjoy the propagated fruit from two different but entwined musical orchards.

It is rare to hear a songwriter so astutely match up words with music so that one complements the other to perfection. Alex Seel achieves this on Circles, a small, bright gem of a record. We can only hope that a full-length album is on its way in the near future.

Olivia Chaney and The Decemberists join forces as Offa Rex. The resulting album, The Queen of Hearts, turns a nostalgic nod to the great British folk-rock albums of the late 60s and 70s but is equally assured in a fresh and contemporary way. It is a towering, majestic work.

The Routes Quartet live up to their liner notes by using all of the possible tones and textures of a string quartet. A deceptively simple album that is carried off with a real feel for the music. It’s a truly cathartic listen.

Sam Baker’s last release was declared one of the 10 best Americana albums of 2013. Working in Nashville for the first time under producer Neilson Hubbard, Land of Doubt should repeat the feat for 2017.

We rejoin David Morrison at Campbell Bay Music Festival in British Columbia as he shares the highlights of a very hot Day Two featuring Shelder the Electric Clamfish, Tremblers of Sevens, The Stash! Band, Cuddle Magic & more.

“I’ll Be Yours” is a lively, well-produced album, featuring the diverse styles this band brings to the table. They draw from the great American tradition – Solid songwriting and top-notch musicianship should get The Americans some much-deserved attention.

In a special two-part series David Morrison shares his highlights of this year’s Campbell Bay Music Festival on Mayne Island, British Columbia. Day One includes Fish & Bird, Roger Roger, The Revelers, Top Men, Distant Grand and more.

Dellar plays with many styles on this impressive album and the picking is so beautifully human throughout that it feels like an antithesis to many of the click-track recorded sessions we hear.

Underhill Rose deliver a live album of their Appalachian-flavoured folk music that’s sure to be in popular demand following their recent tour of the UK & Ireland.