Albums

Fifteen albums in, while gaining new admirers with each release, those who have discovered him along the journey can be assured that this is further proof that Tom Ovans continues to be one of the finest troubadours of his generation.

Fàs is a thoroughly satisfying album that introduces significant new elements to Breabach’s music but also confirms they’ve never lost sight of their roots. It brings them very securely back to home ground, all adding up to a fascinating blend of familiarity and innovation.

Bold Reynold is a well-overdue debut from David Carroll. Trademark excellence and totally splendid musicianship abound…it will surely come to be regarded as a folk-rock classic and a prime example of the very best the sub-genre has to offer.

NAKSHATRA is the debut album from Brooklyn, NY violinist duo Trina Basu & Arun Ramamurthy, a lush and spiritual collaboration that bridges traditions and defies genres.

There is an openness to La Bête Blanche, a delight in music’s power to elucidate complex ideas simply, and with good humour…. Whatever genre they happen to be joyously ransacking, Storm the Palace are masters of the art of communicating.

Juni Habel’s Carvings is a captivating musical and poetic experience, a fearless conception that is thoroughly contemporary while almost traditional in its authenticity of expression and directness of communication. Juni is a voice that needs to be heard.

John McCusker’s ‘The Best Of’ is an ideal introduction to the breadth and depth of one of the very best traditional musicians working today…a rare musician whose fiddle style and overall production sound is both distinctive and alluring.

Here are our favourite Top 100 folk and alternative albums of the last 12 months, as voted for by our core writers.

Trent Freeman, best known as a fiery fiddle player in The Fretless, has released an EP of original fiddle tunes, recorded live on Vancouver Island. The line-up is from the top drawer of Canadian roots talent.

David Morrison shares his Top 10 albums of 2022 including Mali Obomsawin, Jake Xerxes Fussell, Blue Moon Marquee, Pharis & Jason Romero, Of The Sun, Jeb Loy Nichols, Gina Davis and more.

Bob Fish shares his Top 10 Albums of 2022 including The Unthanks, Bonny Light Horseman, Joan Shelley, Su-a Lee, Big Thief, Kevin Morby and more.

Mike Davies shares his Top 10 Albums of 2022 featuring Alison O’Donnell, Mary Gauthier, Janis Ian, Julian Taylor, Emma Guzman, Angeline Morrison, Garrett Heath, Luke James Williams, Michael Weston King and Memorial.