Albums

Bennett Wilson Poole is as pure a slab of joyous Americana as you could wish to hear – Assured, cohesive and above all, a thoroughly accomplished musical delight of the highest quality. Destined to be a landmark release in the annals of the genre.

John Forrester may not have the wider recognition as some of his peers and contemporaries, but, as this insightful and open album proves, he’s no less a talent.

If you have a long drive through the wilds ahead of you; or a long journey where you can lose yourself, or even just want to unwind at night after a hard day, this EP would be a worthy travelling companion.

There is a power and a steadfastness to these songs that can look back but also look forward. However there is also a great ability to illustrate and above all, this is an album about landscape, images painted for us by the words of Stuart Forester…

Johnny heads up the A3 to Petersfield for a sold-out evening of prime Americana at a new venue Americana at The Studio. Featuring The Savannahs, The Goat Roper Rodeo Band and The Jigantics, word of mouth alone should ensure a rosy future for the venue.

Lord of the Desert is 3hattrio’s most adventurous and eclectic work yet, “pure peyote delirium enveloped in a haze of banjo, guitar, bass, fiddle lines and bass drum dancing around like the indigenous desert animal spirits”…long may they reign.

Musically, The Two Worlds is mesmeric…retaining the carefully atmospheric, dreamlike ambience of its predecessors. Centred around Brigid’s trademark clangorous, heavy-sustain piano tone (or reverberant guitar and organ) for a backdrop, all detail is couched in a languid analogue sound that oozes authenticity.

Legendary singer, songwriter, activist and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Joan Baez releases her first new studio album in a decade. Whistle Down the Wind is a totally engaging listen from start to finish and one that invites repeated visits.

On Gem Andrews latest album she uses dark country to tackle themes of mental illness, poverty, community and destitution. A strong album – this is a  magnetic North, indeed.

“Lionheart” stands tall on its own, but it’s also part of the movement of female country artists who are trying to reclaim traditional country music from the clutches of the establishment dominated “bro- country” sound. This album is a step in the right direction.

Lucia Comnes opens Held In The Arms with a hearty welcome, closes it with a warm embrace and all the way through delivers assured, beautifully crafted, American folk. Although there are songs here that have emerged from shadow, it’s still a journey into the light – and that light is a warm, welcoming glow.

Probably not something you’d fish out to put you in the party mood, but as a soundtrack to a good wallow in self-hatred, post-millennial despair and emotional squalor, this is down in the gutter with the best.