Albums

Benjamin Dakota Rogers’ ‘Paint Horse’ is a plaintive offering, veined with the sensibilities of an accomplished storyteller and steeped in the folk music of his roots.

Some albums simply deserve a vinyl edition, and Wes Tirey’s No Winner In The Blues is certainly one of those. All in all, this is a song writer deep in the big muddy, whose album has rightfully found its home on the vinyl range. 

Ron Sexsmith has been making music for so long that he makes it sound effortless. With ‘The Vivian Line’, his laid-back vibe presents a soothing listening experience – like snuggling up in a favourite blanket and letting your troubles wash away.

As Unthank : Smith, Rachel Unthank and Paul Smith create a stunning celebration of telling stories. Nowhere and Everywhere is a triumph, an amalgamation of musical style and a defiance of genre; one that celebrates and commemorates the experiences of ordinary people.

Having picked up ‘Up and Coming Artist of the Year’ at 2018’s Scots Trad Music Awards, Assynt’s follow-up album comes with high expectations; ‘Where From Here’ doesn’t disappoint.

Angry and tender, deeply personal and socially aware in equal measure, Jarrod Dickenson’s ‘Big Talk’ is an album born of triumph over adversity and a fine reminder that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. 

James Duncan Mackenzie provided a rousing finale to a fabulous set of mostly original compositions, with top-drawer playing all around; I imagine anyone who didn’t already have a copy of James’s album Fìbhig didn’t leave the building without one.

Joined by Finlay MacDonald, Iain MacFarlane, Ali Hutton, and Leonard Barry, piping legend Allan MacDonald gave a memorable performance at Celtic Connections, one imbued with a sense of joy and amusement, built on the very secure foundation of his longstanding prowess.

The Transatlantic Sessions, one of Celtic Connections’ most enduring and beloved institutions, celebrated its 20th edition ft. Amythyst Kiah, Liam O’Maonlai, Martha Wainwright, Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves, Karen Matheson and more.

Featuring songs from her debut album, Kim Carnie opened the sold-out evening at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, followed by Duncan Chisholm’s premiere of his new album Black Cuillin. Supported by a cast of top-notch musicians, it was a hugely entertaining evening.

With ‘All Of This Is Chance’, Lisa O’Neill lets her own creative wings spread, unleashing every ounce of elation, despair and love that her music emanates. An epic canyon of sense and sound… a timeless piece of work, wholly unbound by style or genre, a universal shot of medicinal magic.

Through ‘In The Quiet Of The Waiting’, Elly Lucas delivers a small jewel. From a 150-year-old hymn, transformed into a secular rallying cry, and a cover of The Moth by the criminally underrated Anne Lister, the EP has an understated sparkle and a deceptive emotional depth.