Albums

Ross Ainslie brings together a highly talented cast on his latest album Remembering, all of whom are aware of the uniqueness of this project; and that awareness shines through in the music. This is a substantial step forward for Ross.

Laura Cannell gives Folk Radio UK a unique and personal insight into the Fanø Free Folk Festival which she attended this year as performer. The festival is small and intimate held on the isle of Fanø off the Danish west coast. It’s a totally unique experience as you’ll read.

Formed by Ian Ross and featuring members of Spiro and Cocos Lovers, Eleven Magpies is one of the most refreshing albums of instrumental folk you are likely to hear for a long time.

In the final part of her live review of Hebcelt Festival 2015 Alice shares her highlights including Treacherous Orchestra, Afro Celt Sound System, Shooglenifty, Findlay Napier, The Elephant Sessions and more.

Rachel Taylor-Beales fourth studio album ‘Stone’s Throw, Lament of The Selkie’ takes the form of a kind of song-cycle. Some three years in the making it is masterfully conceived and presented with imagery that is both precise and tantalising in its expression. An exceptional album.

Paul catches up with The Stray Birds who were, for a lot of observers, the highlight of this year’s Cambridge Folk Festival. Plus watch them performing a backstage session and don’t miss their remaining UK dates.

Tom Blackwell hails from the North of England, after a series of demo releases Tyrone The Gun is his debut proper and, according to Mike, it’s easily one of the best things he’s heard all year.

The Crooked Brothers latest offering, Thank You I’m Sorry, is all the richer for the diverse sound and styles they bring to the fore, both collectively and individually. You can’t pin these guys down.

Man is Made is the second album from Michael Edgar and seems a natural and welcome progression from his debut release ‘Shine’. Michael has his own voice, and it’s a very appealing one. He has his own stories to tell; and on Man Is Made, they’re well worth listening to.

On The Resonant Rogues latest album there is plenty to appeal taking in influences from gypsy jazz, klezmer and Balkan music alongside old-time American folk and blues. All this whilst maintaining a core band identity, it bodes well for a very promising future. 

FY5 – the current handle for the band who were previously known as Finnders & Youngberg release ‘Eat the Moon’, a fine finger picking album.

Alex Seel’s Other Paths EP is a hugely impressive musical calling card, with each of its five songs showcasing a different side of this multi-talented musician’s skills. His ear for harmonies and his subtlety as a lyricist are revelatory and it’s to be hoped that a full-length album follows before too long.