Albums

What sets The Old Dance School apart from other folk bands is their eagerness to embrace the new. In a live setting their songs are conceptually fascinating, and thrilling in their performance.

Simon witnesses a night of Coope Boyes & Simpson ‘In Flanders Fields’ Tour. A brilliantly conceived and executed show, making clear the message of remembrance as the motive to end wars.

Featuring members of JuJu, Robert Plant’s Sensational Space Shifters, Red Snapper and a guest appearance from Ghostpoet, Fofoulah’s debut album is one of this year’s most enthralling listens.

With Beth Nielsen Chapman picking them as her backing band and support act for a UK tour, Red Sky July’s second album seems destined already to do well.

Johnny reviews a historic moment: Topic Records 75th Anniversary Concert, taking in great performances from Blair Dunlop, Martin Carthy, Fay Hield, Kris Drever and more. Plus some interviews along the way.

Paul catches an intimate double bill from Austin-based songwriter Matt McCloskey and Andrew Combs who more than justifies the hype surrounding the Nashville based singer-songwriter.

Catherine MacLellan’s past albums have seen her compared to Joni, the young Emmylou and Gillian Welch, but on ‘The Raven’s Sun’ she has truly found a voice of her own.

Comfort Me With Apples is Manchester folk singer and musician Rachel Hillary’s second EP, an artist that places her art first and foremost.

As Real World Records reaches its 25th anniversary, Lándini finds Aurelio returning to his Garifuna roots creating a vibrant, passionate, Afro-Latin update of the paranda song style.

RM Hubbert’s ‘Ampersand Extras’ offers a collection of B-sides and rare recordings that concludes his self-titled trilogy, exploring in detail the Scotsman’s musical pilgrimage so far.

Johnny continues his review of Towersey Festival taking in performances from Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, Lau, interviews with Blair Dunlop, Urban Folk Quartet and more. Plus a look at the future…

Another successful Pledge campaign sees the Jennifer Crook trio embarking from Carnforth Station on a journey that is about the spaces and places in between, where the magic happens.