Albums

Last night of the UK tour for Portland’s quirky and enduringly engaging folk-pop performer proved a warm and uplifting evening, despite the sense of foreboding and fragility running through new album The Lookout.

Cloud Corner is another example of why Marisa Anderson is one of America’s most interesting and talented guitar players and composers. She has crafted a piece of work that challenges the listener and rewards them further with every listen. Excellent.

It’s refreshing when an album explores weighty themes with sincerity and gravitas, and even more so when the artist in question combines the personal with the abstract without diluting either.

Kacey Johansing’s voice is mesmerising, her songs are perfect, and the album ‘The Hiding’ is a sonic masterpiece. This album will make your summer better, no matter the weather.

Karen Jonas’ third album ‘Butter’ is her broadest offering yet covering folk and country roots as well as ragtime, blues, jazz and barroom soul. “It’s about baking my cake and eating it too.”

World Music Network/ Riverboat Records are to be applauded for their continued championing of world music, and this excellent 25th Anniversary release should appeal to a wide spectrum of listeners.

Borrowed Seed is the debut EP from Scottish folk and blues trio Avocet who take inspiration from both the British psychedelic folk scene of the 1960’s and 70’s and free-form blues.

A Hawk And A Hacksaw’s music is all about making connections between cultures, and in that respect, their latest release is one of the widest-ranging and most daring yet.

Ross says how he loves listening to music that has the artist’s fingerprints all over it.  If you feel the same, then you should get your grubby hands on this one – Unpolished and consciously reflecting what’s going on inside his head.

The contribution that MacColl and his contemporaries made to the early days of the folk revival can never be underestimated and this album also serves as a timely reminder of what a powerful performer he was.

Minnesota sextet Trampled by Turtles return with ‘Life is Good on the Open Road, their first album in four years and one that finds them on top form. A welcome return.

With this album, Greg McDonald presents songs that bring into sharp focus many of the issues that plague Britain today. But this is far from being a dour or dispiriting listen, there’s a lightness of touch that nudges you towards a more positive outlook. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait another six years for his next offering.