Albums

Flood & Burn is Sean Taylor’s eighth album in just over ten years, and he continues to get better and better. It is a highly accomplished and well-rounded addition to what is already a hugely impressive body of work, and Taylor has quietly become one of our most valuable and unique songwriters.

The cast of The Transports – The Young’uns, Faustus, Nancy Kerr, Rachael McShane, Greg Russell and Matthew Crampton left a lasting impression with an Exter audience long after the stage lights had dimmed. One of the best stage performances I’ve seen in a long time.

Joined by special guests, including Chris Wood, fiddle player Catriona Price and harpist Esther Swift, better known as Twelfth Day, gave a remarkable performance at Celtic Connections. True originals who sound like nothing you’ve ever heard.

Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall witnessed over 60 musicians, who have been inspired by and shared Angus R Grant’s vision, spend an energetic, soulful, exuberant and, at times, emotional four hours celebrating his music, his humour, his unmitigated love of a good tune, and of a good time.

The Wide Afternoon is the third album from London-based singer and songwriter Jack Harris. Whilst previously compared to the likes of Jackson C Frank, Bob Dylan, Richard Thompson and Martyn Joseph, this is very much his own voice. A sublime album by a sublime artist.

For her sixth studio album, Tift Merritt lays her cards on the tables from the outset with themes from childbirth to divorce. Joined by Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam for three numbers, ‘Stitch of the World’ proves to be a strong album.

Following the release of his sold out third album Dragon Tails, Phil Riley returns with Neil Mercer for Lost Legions, an album steeped in the sound of that much loved late 60s/early 70s folk sound.

So Much To Defend wears its heart on its sleeve. Wood’s delivery is unhurried and deliberate, his lyrics are unashamedly earnest, and his concerns are moral and humane. He has created a wise, soulful set of songs that should see him consolidate his place at the top table of British songwriters.

Furnace, the sophomore solo album from newgrass outfit Trampled By Turtles frontman Dave Simonett, offers a collection of deeply personal and open-nerved songs couched in memorable, infectious melodies, delivered with an aching tenor and echoes of 60s country-rock.

Geoff Lakeman steps into the limelight at 69 to release his debut solo album. Featuring a host of special guests including the Lakeman brothers, Cara Dillon, Kathryn Roberts and nearby neighbour Nic Jones.

On the first weekend of this year’s Celtic Connections, Scottish fiddle quartet Rant introduced 4/4, A Project for Projection, in which the band work with a group of twelve young fiddlers from across Central Scotland to create a performance with a full-on fiddle sound.

On ‘A Burdensome Year,’ Benjamin William Pike’s songs offer instant musical and lyrical appeal. The positive messages that shine through on the album offer a strong sense of hope, and a belief in the therapeutic power of creative expression.