Albums

At 6’5 Justin Townes Earle is physically as big as his talent and hype hint at. His attitude is brash Nashville no messing but delivered with a hint of New York City suave. It’s impossible not to listen and to find yourself forming little relationships with the protagonists of the pieces.

There is no doubt that The Outside Track’s latest release has proven that they are not only fine exponents of their musical traditions but that they are fine musicians who can enthuse and bring those traditions to a wider audience!

Malcolm Holcombe’s latest album, To Drink the Drain, transports you back to the likes of Townes Van Zandt. His voice has been drenched and intoxicated by an eventful and self-destructive life but his courage has saved him. He’s back and he’ll be touring the UK in March!

Kevin Welch proves again on his long awaited solo album, A Patch of Blue Sky, that he still has that great gift of songwriting that first set him off on his career way back in 1978 writing for the likes of Johnny Cash and Linda Ronstadt.

What an end to a great year for Bella Union, their issue of John Grant’s Queen of Denmark debut successfully found itself in most magazine and national newspapers’ ‘Albums of 2010’ features, and he too headlined the last uniting of label artists at Union Chapel in the summer.

Canu rhydd is a superb new album from fernhill. They are one of most amazing and beautiful sounding folk bands I’ve ever heard. With the spell-binding and beautiful voice of Julie Murphy and the bands unique sound it doesn’t get any better.

Abigail Washburn’s latest release titled City of Refuge is a new transformation in her sound that caught me by complete surprise turning out to be one of the most beautiful albums I’ve heard in a long time.

Andy Irvine makes a welcome return after a decade with his new solo release, Abocurragh. Andy has maintained his magic and makes a cracking album with a string of renowned musicians in support.

Niamh Ni Charra’s latest release, Sugach Samh / Happy out, sets a new standard in Irish tradtional music. She displays confidence and adds a new spectrum to her music with the inclusion of song. 10/10

Samling combine Scandinavian music with traditions from the British Isles. What makes them unique is the inclusion of Gaelic into the mix. Their sound is both unusual and captivating!

Admiral Fallow’s latest release, Boots Met My Face is heartfelt, honest & pure as the Scottish snow, it will take approximately sixty seconds for you to stop what you’re doing, pay attention & state “I think I’m going to love this record”

The Midsummer Nights Dream stage set up at the Royal Festival Hall, complete with lamps, foliage, a tree strung with fairy lights and a starry backdrop marked the occasion as magical before Australian siblings Angus and Julia Stone, and their Transatlantic band, even set foot on stage.