Albums

Fran Smith writes like she means it: refreshingly uncompromising, with an honesty that is both brutal and beautiful. Intrigued by her background Mike Wilson managed to interview Fran and uncover some history and influences.

The Dead Rat Orchestra are well known for their unconventional approach to music and their latest release ‘The Guga Hunters of Ness’ which originally took the form of a film score is the perfect example of them at their innovative best.

Folk Songs II is the follow up release from The Big Eyes Family Players which features a plethora of fine guests including Alasdair Roberts, Nancy Elizabeth, James Yorkston, Elle Osborne, Mary Hampton, Adrian Crowley, James William Hindle, Heather Ditch and Sharron Kraus.

Liverpool quartet Dead Belgian combinine influences in European Folk and Prog Rock / Pop. Their latest release ‘Love And Death: The Songs of Jacques Brel’ weaves between playful abandon, a delicate sparseness and compelling theatre.

Nigel Brown is a London based singer songwriter whose ambition has always been to write great songs. Inspired by the likes of Bob Dylan his latest album has brought him several steps closer to that dream.

Sheelanagig’s latest album, ‘Cirque Insomnia’, finds the band once again stirring their crowded melting pot of world musical influences. Balkan folk music is a constant throughout the record & offers them a basis for experimentation.

Jake Cogan’s latest album ‘Parcel of Rogues’ is a sure winner! If you enjoy traditional Scottish song with a gentle contemporary twist, go out and buy this album now.

On ‘The Sailor’s Revenge’ Bap Kennedy has surpassed all his past music to create as close as any musician is likely to get to their perfect record. The stars aligned, this is the album that Kennedy was always capable of making.

Pianist and composer James Ross has released a studio version of ‘Chasing The Sun’ – the music evokes the daily and annual journey of the sun along the north coast of Scotland.

We join the congregation in Wiveliscombe to watch The Fay Hield Trio, a great performance from Fay Hield, Sam Sweeney and Rob Habron!

Gillie Mackenzie’s solo debut ‘Griais’ is a beautifully presented piece of work, a marvellous solo debut that not only exemplifies the appeal of Gaelic music, but broadens it.

Read our live review of ‘Distil’, an initiative managed by Hands up For Trad, showcasing some of the best talent in Scottish traditional music.