Albums

Brigitte DeMeyer and Will Kimbrough record as a duo for the first time with Mockingbird Soul, a stripped-back collection of blues, gospel, folk, country and early jazz. A fine album of understated but expertly crafted musicianship.

It is ‘Burning The Threshold’s’ tangible atmosphere as much as its songcraft that makes it one of Ben Chasny’s (Six Organs of Admittance) most accomplished and accessible releases to date.

For their latest album, husband and wife duo Truckstop Honeymoon decided to make things a family affair. Recruiting their kids as musicians, Big Things and Little Things was recorded around their dining room table.

Son of the Velvet Rat is a Joshua Tree-based husband and wife duo. Dorado, their sixth album, is a haunting and soulful offering which was produced by Joe Henry….for those who like their music steeped in the parched sand, dry rocks, forbidding cacti and mournful night winds.

Graham Mackenzie’s Crossing Borders is an ambitious, original and ultimately, very successful venture. Originating as a commission for Celtic Connections Crossing Borders proves to be exceptional, both as an album and on stage.

If you are new to Norwegian traditional music, this exquisite album is one of the most startling musical experiences you are ever likely to have. If not, then you will soon realise that the Kjorstad brothers are in the process of taking their country’s folk music in entirely new directions.

Renata Rosa cuts a colourful figure from the very beginning as she sweeps onto the stage at Glasgow City Halls to perform with her three-piece band…a thrilling and enchanting taste of Brazil.

Robin Morton’s admiration for the Battlefield Band in all its many incarnations has driven the assembly of this collection; snapshots of 40 years of musical development that so effectively chart the band’s evolution. The Producer’s Choice is a superbly fitting celebration of it.

The very nature of Celtic Connections means there are a wealth of exciting collaborations, formed without much time for rehearsal, and they can be all the more exciting for it. However, when something as carefully planned, and as perfectly executed, as Duncan Chisholm’s The Gathering takes place the results are captivating and memorable.

The years covered by these recordings were a golden period for Old Crow Medicine Show. For anyone who wants to know what fuelled the, now widespread, musical chimaera, “modern old time”, this is essential listening.

On Mike Grogan’s ‘Too Many Ghosts’ he is joined by the likes of Phil Beer and Miranda Sykes. The message, like the music, is simple, direct and clear. And both all the more effective for it.

Featuring Karen Matheson, Julie Fowlis, The Kaela Rowan Band and more, Paul McGeechan presented Celtic Connections with a unique and captivating performance, successfully bringing the splendour of Starless to a live, and thoroughly appreciative, audience.