Albums

With “Gum Card”, The Mining Co’s fifth album, Michael Gallagher returns to his normal haunts of folk, Americana and country while also illustrating that the path less taken is where the magic lies. 

Until The Rivers Run Dry is John Blek’s most romantic, relaxed and readily accessible work to date. It finds him at the peak of his powers, although we expect more great things to come.

Jaimee Harris’s 2020 Red Rescue was an auspicious debut, but Boomerang Town is a far stronger, more reflective, more emotional and masterful album that firmly announces her as both a voice and a writer of the finest grade.

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.