Albums

On Utica Huw M explores some of the connections between Welsh and American folk songs with the combination of soulful gospel harmonies in the context of traditional and contemporary Welsh folk music – it’s a unique sounding album, one that could make an impressive live show too.

Two Wolves is a superb album, one of the year’s best, with each of its songs brimming with nuance and depth. Although covering some deeply personal subjects, Marry’s skills as a singer, lyricist and, above all, a story-teller bring a very human touch, enabling the songs to maintain their focus and intensity without overwhelming the listener.

With a wealth of songs, stories and experience to bring to his performance, Rab Noakes in concert is an event that every lover of acoustic music should make the most of.

On ‘North’ Blazin’ Fiddles manage to combine everything there is to enjoy in Scottish fiddle music. Most of all, though, there’s that infectious, enlivening and irresistible euphoria that comes about from a passion for the music and a longing to share it.

He packed in his job, bought a banjo and headed from Norway to Ireland with his trusty Vespa. For Kyrre Slind life feels like one big adventure, it was a great pleasure to share in some of them with this interview. His latest album ‘Open Airs’ is out now!

James heads to the Speaker’s House, Palace of Westminster, for the launch of Sweet Liberties featuring BBC Folk Singer of the Year Nancy Kerr and singer-songwriters Martyn Joseph, Sam Carter and Maz O’Connor along with Patsy Reid and Nick Cooke.

Five-piece Birmingham based outfit Boat to Row release their long anticipated debut album, a magnificent collection featuring Mike King’s very distinctive vocals, complemented by the simple but intoxicating melodies and multi-textured arrangements.

Soundtrack to a Ghost Story is an outstanding album, the brainchild of producer Neilson Hubbard in collaboration with Ben Glover and fellow singer-songwriter Joshua Britt, the album and its accompanying documentary are rooted in Civil War history.

Radial is a fascinating showcase for Griselda Sanderson’s nyckelharpa playing – the ideal pick-me-up for jaded musical palettes and well worth seeking out.

Happy Blue, by Miracle Mile frontman Jones is much to do with the past and reminiscence and includes a deeply moving tribute to his father, his life, his struggles and how he shaped his son’s heart.

Dana Sipos’ ‘Roll Up The Night Sky’ is quite magical, slightly, subliminally hypnotic and the imagery can be quite stunning in its own calmly composed yet tenderly skewed way.

What impresses most about ‘Woven’ is Sarah’s skill as an arranger; an interpreter of song, story and music. In taking these snatches and fragments of traditional song, adding her own intricate and fascinating musical themes and merging them into a narrative on the fleeting but complex nature of human existence, she has created an utterly compelling tapestry.