Featured Albums of the Month

A mix of high-energy fiddle-driven along by expressive and imaginative piano; compelling songs with perfectly executed, intricate vocals and a level of musicianship that is an affirmation of the collective skill these four highly accomplished musicians.

Kate Rusby demonstrates on her 14th studio album that her artistry is constantly evolving. Avoiding the snares of the predictable while springing a few surprises, the expansive musical backdrops on the disc are full of interesting detail, both refreshing and stimulating: not an easy trick to pull off. One that will appeal to existing and new fans alike.

The eloquence of both George Monbiot and Ewan McLennan in raising these issues says far more than any music critic can. Breaking the Spell of Loneliness doesn’t merely tackle the issues raised, it offers solutions, it offers hope. It’s a moving, thought-provoking work that has relevance for all of us.

Steeped in the folk traditions of Wales yet fully attuned to the present day, Ruins/Adfeilion is an absorbing, thoughtful and ultimately forward-looking collection of songs which perfectly showcase Gareth’s flawless musicianship and creative vision.

The term ‘Singer-songwriter’ barely scratches the surface of Ruth Theodore’s music, quirky would be an understatement – beyond the considerable instant appeal that Cactacus wields, there’s a wealth of poetry, satire and pure, natural artistry. Cactacus is a wonderful, captivating album.

Moray is a performer of consummate talent, a musician who plays a whole range of instruments on this album, and a singer of rare emotional depth. That he manages to do all this while forging a bright new path for folk music is admirable. That he has done so over six albums and still seems to be hitting his peak while never doing the same thing twice is remarkable.

Featuring co-writes with the likes of Gretchen Peters and Mary Gauthier, The Emigrant is a magnificent album and a substantial addition to the Irish emigrant canon that fully confirms Glover as one of the finest in the Americana genre.

Take the time to learn about the beautiful sycamore seed sculpture, created for the album cover by Cornish artist Billy Wynter, and you’ll find the embodiment of what Teyr represent. Teyr make folk music rooted firmly in the future, that future may indeed be Far From The Tree, but then, nothing grows where nothing’s been.

After a three-year hiatus, Heidi Talbot steps back into the light with her fifth solo album. It’s an album that sees her re-kindle familiar musical friendships, forge new productive collaborations and develop her own serene and assured songwriting.

Combining a mix of original compositions and their arrangements of traditional music and song, NEWiD is as fine a showcase as you’ll find of their unique vision of “Celtic music for the 21st century” and is sure to become a firm favourite of long-term fans and newcomers alike.

Any chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Apple Of My Eye are happily lacking in any such weak links, and as a result, they have produced one of the most exciting folk albums of the year so far.

A unique and enthralling project that celebrates the power of collaboration, a shared love of traditional music and The Shee’s ten years as a major force in folk music. The premiere of Continuum at Celtic Connections was an unforgettable event, the album that’s grown from it is simply outstanding.