Albums

In part 1 of his review of this year’s Gate to Southwell Johnny shares his highlights which kick off with a North American flavour: Bob Dylan’s 75th birthday concert, Hayseed Dixie, The Ooks of Hazzard, The Corn Potato String Band, Flats and Sharps as well as Canadian singer Meaghan Blanchard and Acadian trio Vishtèn.

Well attuned to the zeitgeist of that classic early-70s psych-folk era I’m finding myself wishing I’d caught onto Hodmadoddery sooner – I’ve two decades of catching up to do. Get your hands on a copy, you won’t be sorry.

You just know, that when you listen to Robert Doyle play and sing, you’re hearing exactly what you would in a live setting. There’s no need for adornments – the guitar, vocal, melodies, words all speak for themselves. Robert has an approach to music that’s all his own, and this is what shines through on ‘Lig Amach’.

Imarhan’s debut presents the band’s musical vision with a clarity and dynamism that makes it a compelling and essential listen, as well as a unique snapshot of the leading edge of contemporary assouf music.

Tennessee-born husband and wife duo The Danberrys return with their third release ‘Give and Receive’. Produced by Ethan Ballinger this is a broader offering which is sure to win them new fans.

Featuring Bonnie Prince Billy, Linda Thompson, Alasdair Roberts and more – Released July 5th, all the money made from sales of Refugee go to the charity MOAS who have already saved 12,000 lives. Buying this album will help it save more.

On Stereoptican Gary Lucas and Jann Klose provide dazzling guitar playing and a strong, versatile and vibrant vocal in the service of urban Americana.

Rob catches a fantastic double-header event at Kenilworth Castle with multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar and Will Pound & Eddy Jay, currently riding high on the back of their new album ‘Ignite’.

Following on from her recent EP, singer-songwriter Kelley McRae returns with ‘The Wayside’, an album shaped by a decision to forsake her NY apartment for a life on the road.

Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra latest album offers a cornucopia of western swing, country ballads, Tom Waitsian instrumentalism and cross-cultural Americana jambalaya goodness.

Starless is a remarkable album that features no less than five of the country’s most talented Gaelic singers, former Blue Nile front man Paul Buchannan and the full musical might of The Prague Symphony Orchestra.

Kitty MacFarlane is a major talent, and “Tide and Time” is a bit of a triumph. Her song lyrics could easily stand alone as poetry but then why would she do that when her ear for a melody is faultless?