Albums

Neko Case brings her powerful stage presence to Union Chapel with a voice that barely needs amplification. Now entering the fourth act of her career, Case has emerged as a lyrical force of nature and whatever may come next, her greatness is assured.

A body of work that stands as a testament to the powers one of the most underrated singers to come out of the British folk scene, and if there is any justice it will attract a whole new generation of admirers.

Jake Aaron’s self-titled debut adopts a speak-sing delivery whilst accompanying himself on acoustic classical guitar an instrument he is more than adept at as he demonstrates on the one instrumental.

Dublin singer-songwriter Marc Carroll has consistently received good reviews and the praise of his contemporaries without ever making the big breakout he deserves. … this is another fine addition to his outstanding catalogue.

The latest offering from the Battlefield Band features 12 Scottish and Irish guest musicians, packed with great music and enough background information to satisfy your needs. A wonderful album that explores some of the roots and expressions of the shared tradition of Scotland and Ireland.

This year’s MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards at The Caird Hall in Dundee proved yet again it was the event of the year on the Scottish music calendar and we were fortunate enough to be there for it all!

Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys who hail from Prince Edward Island unleash their latest album ‘Laugh, Dance & Sing’ to be followed by an appearance at Celtic Connections and UK tour in February.

Vesevo are a new musical trio that take the bucolic sounds of the region around Naples, blend them with world beats and modern arrangements to create some utterly enthralling new music that beats with a primal heart.

A very special evening of music was held at St Pancras Old Church recently featuring Ange Hardy and Lukas Drinkwater, Kelly Oliver and Minnie Birch. Read Roy’s live review with photos from Rob.

This tribute album serves as a welcome reminder of the great Ted Hawkins, bringing together a diverse collection of artists to record a selection of Hawkins’ own songs including Shinyribs, Mary Gauthier, James McMurtry and more.

With ‘Polonia’, Katy Carr has created a record which is epic in every sense; its scope is immense and the themes covered within its apparently simple concept are as deep as they are wide-ranging. It’s a rare treat to come across a record which is so consistently entertaining as it is informative.

Recorded in Tasmania over three months in 1974 and released to critical acclaim and minimal sales this reissue offers a welcome chance to hear an album which many of us, I’m sure, would otherwise have remained unaware. In addition we also have a song premiere of ‘Mad Mike’.