Albums

I Dreamt I Was A Bird is a sterling example of all that is good about contemporary folk music in Britain today and looks set to establish Lucy Ward in her rightful place alongside the scene’s “big names”.

Dave Rawlings has finally found time to schedule a follow-up to the 2009 Dave Rawlings Machine debut. Nashville Obsolete has been worth the wait with a stunning final track that is the album’s lynchpin.

We are very honoured to have Karen Matheson as our Artist of the Month for October. Her latest album ‘Urram’ is bold, imaginative and a thrill to listen to. It’s the next step in a fascinating journey, one that unites the voices of the Hebrides with traditional and classical musicians from Scotland, Senegal, and India.

Birmingham based trio Millbrook release their self-titled debut album next month, a very accomplished album that is sure to stand them in good stead for a very promising future.

Now 76 and with a voice that still sounds as clear and pure as it did in 1976 when she first sang ‘Both Sides Now’, Judy Collins’ latest offering features a cast of collaborators including the likes of Glen Hansard and Bhi Bhiman who step up to join her in song.

Blow Out The Moon is a well-chosen selection of some of the less well-known traditional folk songs, presented with immaculate arrangements, precision musicianship and flawless harmonies. It makes the ideal companion to their debut album.

We join Jonathan Day on the road for a series of guest posts written during his Atlantic Drifter launch tour. We join him as he arrives in China to perform in Gangzhou and Shenzhen.

Two Universes is the latest offering from Feufollet , a young five piece band hailing from Southwest Louisiana playing a lively gumbo of Cajun, honky-tonk, classic country, rock and pop.

In part 2 of our live review of this year’s Wickham Festival we take in the Moulettes, Kathryn Tickell and The Side, Eliza Carthy and The Wayward Band, Seth Lakeman, Billy Bragg, The Hut People, Megson and more.

Both haunting and moody, Alex Roberts sixth album, The Daemon & The Eidolon, illustrates why he’s held in such esteem. It also underscores his immersion in the sound of traditional English folk-blues and prime influences of John Renbourn, Bert Jansch and almost certainly John Martyn.

The music on Cold Moon has a deceptively gentle tone that can mask the powerful lyrics and the slowly developing theme of departure. It is also a truly, remarkable album – we can only hope that Diane and Francesconi continue collaborating and make many more like it.

Gren Bartley has recorded an absorbing collection of songs awash with poetic lyrical imagery and stunning harmonies. His decision to work with a contemporary producer should broaden the appeal of an album where the magnificent creatures are the songs.