This is a list of everything we have on folking.com in date and month order. So if you like trawling the depths of the site for amazing content that you may have missed then this is the place to “net” an article, feature or review or two.
The archive is a work in progress as we still have gaps to fill from 2009 back to 2001. Most of the missing content are older album reviews which require reformatting with each article having to be submitted back on to the site with album covers and links to where they can be obtained from (where available).
Kristy Gallacher – ‘Fending off the Frost’
Kristy Gallacher is a singer/songwriter from Coventry. I was impressed with her new video of a song called 'Fending off the Frost' and thought I ...
David Ferrard releases ‘Journeyman’ on 03.10.2011
Scottish-American singer-songwriter and folk musician, David Ferrard, releases Journeyman, an album of finely-crafted original songs marked by a strong social conscience. Ferrard takes the listener on ...
JANIS IAN – ‘Best of Janis Ian’ CD/DVD
JANIS IAN, one of America’s most durable, thoughtful of singer-songwriters, makes a very rare visit to these shores in October 2011 for an extensive UK tour (details below). The tour ...
RADICAL FACE – ‘The Family Tree: The Roots’
After four years milling over the concept and fifteen months recording alone in the tool shed behind his mother's house in Jacksonville Florida, Ben Cooper, AKA ...
Harp and a Monkey – The Soldier’s Song…
From the forthcoming album on Folk Police Recordings due out in September 2011. Memorably described as Elbow for seafarers and ramblers, the harp 'n' banjo driven ...
Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson – Check it out! Amped up old time blues with a Celtic twist…
Already firmly established on the Australian festival circuit, Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson have arrived in the UK and Europe to entertain audiences with their ...
ROY HARPER – ‘SONGS OF LOVE AND LOSS’
Few survivors from the golden age of British folk-rock have kept their reputations intact. Of the generation of troubadours who came of age in the folk ...
JUNE TABOR & OYSTERBAND – Ragged Kingdom (Topic Records TSCD585)
No one could ever accuse the ‘oysters’ of not opening up and here, fitting tighter than a pair of latex gloves on a surgeon’s hands ...
HOME SERVICE – Live 1986 (Fledg’ling Records FLED3085)
This recording should be a required purchase by every music consumer who considers themselves tuned in. My formative years of the folk-rock scene in the UK were ...
Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts
BBC Radio 2 Horizon Award nominees Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts combine relentless rhythmic guitar, driving mandolin and trademark harmonies on their new single 'No ...
SPAGHETTI WESTERN ORCHESTRA – Classic Ennio Morricone ‘Live’
You just know you have to get a copy of a CD with the title “Classic Ennio Morricone Live” especially if, like me you enjoy ...
GEORGE WILSON – Who’s The Fool Now (Own Label)
I’ve been privileged to know many fine singers and musicians and some have become good mates. One of these happens to be George Wilson whose ...
VIN GARBUTT – Teesside Troubadour (Pancrack TV PAN4DVD)
For those not in the know, Vin Garbutt is the kind of bloke that you would like as your best mate. He could talk the ...
CHRIS STOUT’S BRAZILIAN THEORY – Live In Concert (Chris Stout Music CSMUSCD001)
OK so I might, on listening to the opening strains of this album have been a bit too prepared to write Chris Stout’s Brazilian Theory ...
A Crooked Mile – by Society
Following on from their hugely successful release SONGS FROM THE BRICKHOUSE, Society are back in 2011 with A CROOKED MILE. This stunning new release is ...
PETE SCOTT – Why Sing Goodbye Songs
If considering the proposition that the world would be a very different place if Yuri Gagarin had been allowed to play his banjo in space ...
JAYWALKERS – 16 Miles
The sawing phrase that opens ‘Lonesome Fiddle Blues’ grabs your attention from the moment the disc hits the player and you’re right to suspect that ...
RETURN OF THE CROPREDY EXILE – By Dai Jeffries
Whisper this, but I hadn’t been to for twenty years. I had felt it was getting too big for my personal comfort – when I ...
TIM EDEY & BRENDAN POWER – Wriggle And Writhe (Gnatbite Records GB 010)
For those that have not seen them before, Tim and Brendan are two of the nicest blokes on the UK ‘folk’ circuit. They are also without ...
Ady Johnson – TELL THE WORRY DOLLS
Having fronted Colchester’s organ driven rock ‘n’ roll band FuzzFace for some years, Ady Johnson now embarks on a solo acoustic project with the launch ...
PEATBOG FAERIES – “DUST”
Label: Peatbog Records Format: 6 page Digipak & Download Catalogue number: CDBOG006 Bar code: 5060131890296 Distribution: Proper Music Distribution & Highlander Music Date Released: 8th ...
REG MEUROSS – The Dreamed And The Drowned (Own Label)
I must have been in a stupor (not drunk…just a stupor) for not having been more aware of Reg Meuross most of my ‘folk’ music ...
LUCY PRINGLE & CHRIS WRIGHT – The Speaking Heart (Mondegreen Music MONDCD01)
An album that beguiles from the moment go with “Rose Song” utilising Chris Wright’s finger-picked twelve-string guitar tuned to open C acting as a perfect ...
STRAWBS – Acoustic Gold (Witchwood Media WMCD 2052)
As the blurb says, The Strawbs have created a unique niche for their progressive folk-rock sound but, stripped bare it is the ‘acoustic’ element that ...
Brothers Reid – TOP OF THE OLD ROAD
Artist – Brothers Reid Title – TOP OF THE OLD ROADLabel – Fat Hippy Records FH57 REID2Release Date – August 15th 2011“…virtually impossible for anyone ...
GEORGE STEVENS – 3 Tunes
Three tunes, two camels and a bouzouki are just some the ingredients of George Stevens’ debut EP. His featured instruments are bouzouki and border pipes ...
CYRIL TAWNEY: A MAYFLOWER GARLAND
"A collection of folk songs from Devon and Cornwall offered as a tribute on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower". The 1970 ...
JOHN HIATT – DIRTY JEANS AND MUDSLIDE HYMNS
Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns, the new album from acclaimed musician and songwriter John Hiatt, will be released August 8th2011 on New West Records. This is Hiatt’s twentieth solo album ...
JACKIE OATES – Saturnine (ECC Records ECC 004)
In these times of austerity, to make your way in the world, even if it is just the ‘folk’ world you have to diversify and ...
Whalebone – Three Fires – TWO WILD WOMEN RECORDS TWW278
If you’re looking for something new and different, how about an acoustic trio from Shropshire who cover Guns’N’Roses and Led Zeppelin? whalebone have evolved over ...
SEAN SIEGFRIED – Backwoods
Sean’s debut album contains six solo acoustic guitar compositions in a very English style. The opener, ‘Sam’s Brewery’, is satisfyingly chunky as is ‘Compelled’. Both ...
Martyn Joseph Solo Show – Hitchin Folk Club – 12 June 2011 – Review
How do I articulate adequately the magnificence that was Martyn Joseph at Hitchin,well in a nutshell, it was a vintage show to top them all ! ( until ...
BOB FOX – Dorking Folk Club, Dorking (08.06.11)
The nice thing about arriving at Dorking Folk Club is that you are automatically made welcome by host and organiser Neil McRitchie and the friendly ...
Will Scott – KEYSTONE CROSSING
Will Scott is known for his bluesy voice, distinctive guitar-playing and heartfelt song writing. Blending blues and Americana with a dash of rock and outlaw ...
MARLA FIBISH & JIMMY CROWLEY – The Morning Star (MFM001)
Towards the end of the 1990’s the Celtic mandolin family seemed to explode on the ‘folk’ scene and one of the finest exponents in this ...
Rosie Nimmo – HOME
With comparisons to Billie Holliday, Alison Kraus, Patti Smith and Dory Previn, Rosie Nimmo has a voice of clarity and depth. Rosie has been singing jazz ...
Folking.com’s favourite Radio 2 moment…
The Radio 2 Folk Awards are chosen and voted for by a panel of professionals (broadcasters, promoters, festival organisers and record companies) who all work ...
IARLA O’ LIONAIRD – Foxlight (Real World Records)
Ignorant peasant that I am, I hold my hands up and declare that I have never understood the Gaelic language or, more than likely never ...
HILARY JAMES – English Sketches – Acoustics Records CDACS 059
“Pastoral” is the word that first comes to mind when discussing Hilary James’ new album. In fact, ‘A Song & Jig For Good Measure’ which ...
RICHARD DIGANCE – Letter From Afghanistan (Own Label)
Along with John Foreman and Dave Sealey, Richard Digance is one of the folk music scenes few masters in the art of the Music Hall ...
BATTLEFIELD BAND – Line-Up (Temple Records COMD2104)
The drama of an opening chord sequence to grab the listener’s attention was never an issue with the Battlefield Band. Starting with the driving rhythm ...
Walter Strauss PLANET SOLITAIRE
2011 will see US guitarist and songwriter Walter Strauss releasing PLANET SOLITAIRE, a collection of ambitious solo recordings inspired by a diverse world of influences. There are ...
PAUL LIDDELL – MILESTONES AND MOTORWAYS
Paul Liddell is a tireless working musician/singer/songwriter/recording artist hailing from North East of England. He tours continually around the UK and I was reminded of ...
Are there any women here? Bearded Theory 2011 review
In the quest to experience something new every year, it was the turn of The Bearded Theory to fulfil this self-indulgence. Situated in the picturesque ...
CORNCROW – SWEET NIGHTINGALE
Cornish duo Steve Hunt and Kim Guy together with their guests - celebrated award winner Jackie Oates, Jason Steel and Gareth Young have put together ...
FAIRPORT ACOUSTIC CONVENTION – Fairfield Halls, Croydon (11.05.11)
Taking their seats for this performance at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls the legendary Fairport Convention (Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Chris Leslie, Ric Sanders and Gerry Conway) ...
Des Horsfall’s Kuschty Rye – THE GOOD GENTLEMAN’S TONIC
Honouring the legend of the late great Ronnie Lane, in the only way he knew how, roots-rocker Des Horsfall and his band Kuschty Rye embarked on a ...
I love: Tom T. Hall’s Songs of Fox Hollow
In 1974 Tom T. Hall, American country balladeer, released an album called “Songs of Fox Hollow”. The songs had evolved from a summer spent with ...
Marybeth D’Amico – Releases THE LIGHT INSIDE
Artist – Marybeth D’Amico Title – THE LIGHT INSIDE Label – LongMan Records LongMan 057CD Distribution- Proper Distribution Release date-June 13 2011 "Very good indeed...just wonderful." ...
The Lorelei – Due to release their stunning new album… "FACES" May 16
The Lorelei formed in 1990 in a garage in Dyce with Jonny and Beefy being original members along with Martin Watson, the original singer. Over the ...
DAVE STEWART RELEASES FIRST SOLO ALBUM FOR 16 YEARS…
Proper Records have recently announced a partnership with Weapons of Mass Entertainment and Surfdog Records for the release of an exciting new album project from Artist/ ...
Bella Hardy signs to Navigator Records and releases her 3rd album Songs Lost & Stolen
Navigator Records recently announced the signing of Bella Hardy and the subsequent release of her new album on 18th April. Entitled ‘Songs Lost & Stolen’, it ...
Trevor Midgley (a.k.a. Beau) – The Way It Was
On Monday 14th March to celebrate forty years since the 1971 release of Trevor Midgleys (a.k.a. Beau) psych/folk “Creation” LP on John Peel’s Dandelion label, ...
TICKLED PINK – Ceilidh (Rooksmere Records RRCD101)
The term Ceilidh, meaning “…an informal social gathering at which there is Celtic dancing, singing and storytelling” is now regularly being adopted by many English ...
GOLDEN – the new instrumental solo album by Robert Illesh
GOLDEN is the new instrumental solo album by Robert Illesh, who is an internationally acclaimed guitarist, producer and composer. Robert is protagonist in the progressive ...
STEELEYE SPAN – Fairfield Halls, Croydon (05.04.11)
It’s always a pleasure popping down the road to recapture the ‘folk music’ of my youth and the Fairfield Halls in Croydon has certainly provided ...
TOM McCONVILLE – Tommy On The Road (Tomcat Music TCCD08)
As one of the acoustic music scene’s genuinely nice blokes, Tom McConville has endeared himself to the circuit with a Northern charm and wit that other artists ...
GUIDEWIRES – II (Own Label GWMCD002)
Now I don’t know what it is about Guidewires…possibly, from my perspective it’s their approach to the opening bars of some of their set pieces ...
Interview with Joziah Longo from Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams have been called "the hillbilly Pink Floyd," which is an apt description, particularly if you throw in elements ...
DAVID GARRETT – ROCK SYMPHONIES (Decca Records 4782686)
In my youth I was switched-on to Bach by the producer Waldo De Los Rios and his album Symphonies Of The Seventies. Here in the ...
DREADZONE – BEST OF: THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE DREAD
On 9th May 2011 Dreadzone, the fervently followed British institution and original pioneers of UK bass culture present The Good The Bad And The Dread - ...
STAN ROGERS – The Very Best Of (Fogartys Cove FCM 013)
It can be a hard and cruel life at sea but you’d never guess that from the way Stan Rogers occasionally portrays his subject matter ...
Gareth Davies-Jones, Chasing Light (Heading West Music, 2011)
Gareth Davies-Jones wastes no time with this follow up to 2008's thoroughly captivating "Water & Light". In many respects, it's business as usual here; but when ...
THE BURNS UNIT – Side Show (Own Label TBU 001)
Bitter recrimination is the order of the day particularly on the opening track “Since We’ve Fallen Out” on this, The Burns Unit’s (Emma Pollock, Future ...
BLAZIN’ FIDDLES – Thursday Night In The Caley (Blazin’ Records BRCD2011)
The unrestrained passion bursts forth from the string driven sound that is Blazin’ Fiddles and from the very first track “Fashion O’ The Lassies/Sound Of ...
Fairport Convention With Sandy Denny Live At Ebbets Field 1974
3/16/2011 – Philadelphia, PA - Much to the excitement of Fairport Convention and Sandy Denny fans around the globe, Philadelphia's ItsAboutMusic.com will release ultra rare recordings ...
HOLLY KIRBY – A Woman You Don’t Know (Tinkers Lane Records TLCD010220)
A new name to the folk music scene but surely one to watch out for and I’d definitely suggest you get a copy of Holly ...
EZIO – ‘THIS IS THE DAY’ – Released: 4th April 2011
This is the Day is NOT just another Ezio record. Here, after many years, we finally have the ultimate ’Ezio in a nutshell’ record. Recorded ...
GUIDEWIRES – Guidewires Live (Guidewires Music GWMCD001)
Since 1973 when Planxty challenged everyone’s stereotypical preconceptions of how ‘Irish-Celtic’ music should be perceived outside the comfortable existence of The Dubliners and Clancy Brothers ...
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Transatlantic Sessions 4 (Whirlie Records DVD03)
You can tell from the photo on the sleeve of “Transatlantic Sessions 4” that this DVD is going to be something special. It depicts Aly Bain ...
BILL EVANS & MEGAN LYNCH – Let’s Do Something (Native & Fine Records)
It’s interesting listening to an artist and seeing how, from formulative years they can flourish over the passage of time. From her early career as ...
MADDY PRIOR BAND – Hooked On Glory (Park Records PRKCD 110)
For those that can cast their minds back far enough to remember the early 80’s you may be lucky enough to remember the Maddy Prior ...
SHAUN DAVEY – Voices From The Merry Cemetery (Tara Records TARACD 4023)
Three modern orchestral composers from Ireland who immediately spring to mind are Phil Coulter, Bill Whelan and Shaun Davey. Each have a background with traditional ...
SHAUN DAVEY – Voices From The Merry Cemetery (Tara Records TARACD 4023)
Three modern orchestral composers from Ireland who immediately spring to mind are Phil Coulter, Bill Whelan and Shaun Davey. Each have a background with traditional ...
STEAM RADIO – The Twilight Shift (Own Label SRAD 01)
Some years ago I had the pleasure of performing alongside multi-instrumentalist Martin Matthews (ex-Champion Sting Band) on a tour in France along with the Clann Na ...
STEVIE PALMER – Heartprint Shadow (Greentrax Recordings CDTRAX 347)
I don’t know about you but I’m getting tired of watching ‘music’ award ceremonies where pristine trophies are thrust in the direction of the likes ...
GILBERT O’SULLIVAN – Gilbertville (Hypertension HYP 11275)
I don’t know why but I suppose you could call me a Sunday afternoon kind of person. Perhaps it’s due to my nature of relaxing ...
Any Forgotten Thing – The new album form HUNGRYTOWN
Any Forgotten Thing is the second album by the acclaimed songwriting and performing team of Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson, known collectively as Hungrytown. The ...
JIM MALCOLM – Sparkling Flash (Beltane Records BELCD107)
Somebody pass me the smelling salts or better still the latest recording by Jim Malcolm. I’d just had the pleasure (?) of reviewing an album ...
SHAMUS O’BLIVION – The Devil Made Me Do It (Own Label)
Over thirty years ago, being a callow youth, I entered the ‘folk’ music scene naive to the mechanics of it all and in rushing headlong ...
GILBERT O’SULLIVAN – Fairfield Halls, Croydon 23.02.11
To quote the man himself “In a little while from now, if I'm not feeling any less sour I promised myself to treat myself and ...
SHOW OF HANDS with MIRANDA SYKES – Covers 2 (Hands On HMCD32)
Ah, a three-piece suite always looks and feels better with a new set of covers and a new set of covers is exactly what you ...
CARA DILLON – Live At The Grand Opera House (Charcoal Records CHARDVD001)
OK, some of us lesser mortals working within the confines of the poverty stricken ‘folk scene’ would find it hard to muster enough funds to ...
ALAN REID – Recollection (Temple Records COMD2103)
This CD represents a nostalgic look-back over many years of creative input from Battlefield Band’s longest serving member Alan Reid. Now, I’ve been following the ...
BERNARD WRIGLEY – Every Song Tells A Story (Loofy Records 020)
There was a time (some time ago admittedly) when the words folk and ‘entertainer’ weren’t looked upon in such a derisory way as they are ...
ROSIE DOONAN – Pot Of Gold (Silvertop Records SRCD03)
Moving away from your previous audience comfort zone (in this instance the ‘folk’ music scene) can never be an easy choice for any artist to ...
JIM CAUSLEY – Dumnonia (Wild Goose Records WGS 377 CD)
At least young Causley is thinking outside the box, even if it is by reflecting in song his local county of which he is justifiably proud ...
Pilgrims’ Way – EP (Own Label)
In these days of ever encroaching technology isn’t it pleasing to hear someone getting back to their ‘roots’ and performing on the unassuming, some might ...
BARBARA DICKSON – Words Unspoken (Greentrax Records CDTRAX353)
Having travelled musically from her recognised commercial sound back to traditional roots, Barbara Dickson has now become…more or less…a duo working with her collaborator of ...
RICHARD WOOD – A Change Of Reasons (GCP 098)
With over two decades behind him as a professional musician fiddle exponent Richard Wood is very much a ‘traditional’ performer. Although he’s Canadian his Scots roots ...
STEVE KNIGHTLEY – Live In Somerset (Hands On Music HMCD33)
It’s certainly to an artist’s credit when he opens a live performance by singing a traditional unaccompanied ballad “All Things Are Quite Silent” with such ...
Doghouse Roses, This Broken Key (Yellowroom Music, 2010)
This Broken Key is the second full album release from the distinctive Glasgow-based duo, Doghouse Roses. Most marked about this follow-up to their 2008 debut, ...
RUA MACMILLAN – Tyro (Greentrax Recordings CDTRAX346)
Now, don’t get me wrong but the opening track of fiddle player Rua MacMillan’s debut solo album featuring his own composition “The Ewie Wi’ The ...
JAMES FINDLAY – Sport And Play (Fellside Recordings FECD238)
Fast becoming the ‘British’ version of America’s Green Linnet record company the astute Paul Adams catches yet another rising ‘folk-star’ for his ever burgeoning roster ...
PETER TWITCHETT – Many Thousand Miles Behind Us (Own Label)
My association with Peter Twitchett goes back some thirty odd years…some of them very odd…and my personal folk music education owes a lot to this sensitive ...
EWAN ROBERTSON – Some Kind Of Certainty (Greentrax CDTRAX328)
Ewan Robertson isn’t a name I was aware of but on the strength of this album I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for him in ...
Oak, Ash And Thorn – Various Artists 24-01-2011 Folk Police Recordings
John Peel was a fan of Peter Bellamy’s album of Kipling songs Oak, Ash And Thorn. ‘I hope Oak, Ash and Thorn will not be ...
Brendan Hendry, Paul McSherry & Nodlaig Brolly, Stringtones (self-released, 2010)
Stringtones offers a selective trio of distinguished musicians from Northern Ireland, playing slightly more than a trio of instruments: Brendan Hendry on fiddle, Paul McSherry ...
Introducing Folk Police Recordings…
A new Manchester-based record label, Folk Police Recordings, releases its first offerings in January 2011. The 'purveyors of folk brut and other rough music' will ...
CIORRAS – Silver Lining (Wispy Cloud Records)
Ciorras were brought together by the legendary (in folk music circles at least) Donal Lunny for a TV series not dissimilar to the X-Factor. There of course ...
LORG LUNNY featuring Donal Lunny (TG4 TV)
My good friend Paul Dengate had recently travelled to Ireland (he knows how to make a chap jealous) and told me that he had been to ...
Steve Knightley – Live In Somerset album
KNIGHTLEY TO RECORD DEBUT LIVE SOLO ALBUM... Show of Hands’ inspired frontman Steve Knightley, hailed as one of England’s finest songwriters, recorded his debut live ...
Dala win 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group Of The Year!
Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala have come a long way in a short time. The two best friends, who met in their high ...
MICHAEL FLATLEY – On A Different Note (Unicorn Entertainments)
There’s one thing Michael Flatley can never be accused of and that’s shying away from his own self-created public image. More established these days for his ...
UNUSUAL SUSPECTS – Big Like This (Big Bash Records BBRCD017)
Well, if the opening track “Pressed For Time/Hull’s Reel/St Kilda Wedding” doesn’t put a grin on your face the size of the Cheddar Gorge then you ...
LOREENA McKENNITT – The Wind That Shakes The Barley (Quinlan Records QRCD114)
I’ve followed Loreena McKennitt’s career for over two decades and she has never failed to captivate me with her slightly mannered vocals and well-crafted musical landscapes ...
EMILY SMITH – Traiveller’s Joy (White Fall Records WFRCD004)
Since 2002 when she won Scotland’s Young Traditional Music Award Emily Smith has garnered many accolades from the folk music press with no less than ...
CHRIS NEWMAN – Still Getting Away With It (Old Bridge Music OBMCD19)
Chris Newman is not only a really nice bloke but also one of my favourite ‘folk’ guitarists along with Simon Nicol, Frank Simon (ex-Bully Wee), Ken ...
EMMA SWEENEY – The Other Crossing (Own Label)
Some things are best left simple and, as if to prove the point comes this first recording by Manchester based fiddle player Emma Sweeney sensitively backed ...
Adrian Nation FALL OR FLY
A talented, committed musician in his youth, Adrian Nation described his first compositions as "the ramblings of a searching teenager". He may ramble less these days, ...
Barry Hunt – Living In The Shadows
Midland based Barry Hunt - singer/songwriter, guitar teacher and a master of his craft with a Masters Degree in Song writing - has unleashed an album of ...
Chris & Siobhan Nelson – Early Birds (self-released, 2010)
The independent music scene is a wonderful place, and in particular that element of the scene which is nurtured and supported by our wonderful network ...
WEST OF EDEN – A Celtic Christmas (Zebra Art Records ZAR852)
Ah, a hearty goodwill to all men (and women)…and spreading the word with this gently evocative offering are Sweden’s Celtic influenced West Of Eden. Now, ...
FLYING TOADS – In Stitches (Own Label)
What’s in a name…well, quite a lot actually and I don’t know where the Celtic influenced Flying Toads acquired theirs but (to me at least) they ...
CHRIS DE BURGH – Moonfleet & Other Stories (Ferryman Records Ferry444P)
In much the same way that Robert Louis Stevenson captured the imagination with his ‘boys own’ adventures “Treasure Island” and “Kidnapped”, John Meade Faulkner created ...
SARAH JAROSZ – Song Up In Her Head (Sugar Hill Records SUG CD 4049)
Sarah Jarosz was a new name to me when I first heard this stunning record played during the interval of a Martin Simpson gig. For those ...
The Be Good Tanyas’ Frazey Ford Returns With Her Debut Album Obadiah
Frazey Ford, lead singer with acclaimed Canadian trio The Be Good Tanyas released her debut solo album Obadiah on July 19th on Nettwerk records. Obadiah combines ...
Alexander Wolfe – MORNING BRINGS A FLOOD
Alexander Wolfe is a New Cross based singer/songwriter. He started his musical career in the band ‘Taxi’ with none other than Jamie Cullum, who he ...
ALBION CHRISTMAS BAND –Traditional (Talking Elephant Records TECD152)
I don’t have a problem with re-packaging tracks from previously released albums…I really don’t. Let’s take for instance this aptly timed recording courtesy of the ...
DAVE SWARBRICK – Raison D’etre (Shirty Records Shirty 1)
We are all, one way or another influenced by our heroes and much like Dave Swarbrick is one of mine, he is quite happy to ...
RICK WAKEMAN & JON ANDERSON – Fairfield Halls, Croydon (12.10.10)
I thought I’d wandered onto a set from the recent “Sherlock Holmes” movie as rows of candles festooned the stage at the Fairfield Halls concert ...
SKERRYVORE – Skerryvore (Tyree Records TYREE01CD)
No messing here as Skerryvore kick off with the riff based “Path To Home” featuring a mixture of Jimmy Shand meets the Tannahill Weavers. I’m pleased ...
RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS – Music For The Kilted Generation (Rel Records RECD572)
Be warned, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers should be labelled with a government health warning for their seriously pleasurable excursions inflicting harm to those of a ...
Kyron & The Strangels – If We Were Kings
Kyron & The Strangels have built up a loyal following through their live shows and a series of five wacky videos that are now viewed throughout the ...
HUEY LEWIS &THE NEWS: SOULSVILLE
Grammy-winners Huey Lewis and The News recently confirmed Monday, October 18th as the release date of their new album Soulsville, their first in nine years, to be released ...
EWAN McLENNAN – Rags & Robes (Fellside Recordings FECD235)
You sometimes know from the opening track if an album’s for you and this first release by Ewan McLennan is one such recording. In bringing together ...
BELLOWHEAD – Hedonism (Navigator Records Navigator042)
With a sleeve cover (superbly photographed by David Angel) that looks as if it had just leapt off the canvas of a Hogarth painting Bellowhead return ...
THE SHEE – Decadence (Shee Records 2)
Opening with a choral harmony that any church would be proud to have leading their congregation The Shee make their mark with the Gospel tinged ...
SONJA KRISTINA – RETROSPECTIVE – CURVED AIR
Beautiful lead singer Sonja Kristina and violin virtuoso Darryl Way were the kingpins of a group that caused a sensation with its innovative music and ...
PETER DONEGAN & THE LONNIE DONEGAN BAND – Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon (30.09.10)
I didn’t know quite what to expect when I entered the Ashcroft Theatre for this evening’s performance by Lonnie Donegan’s son Peter although perhaps the ...
SECRET GARDEN – Inside I’m Singing (Universal Records 602517552746)
Secret Garden produce music that I suppose in any other circumstance could be termed on the fringes of ‘folk’. I first came across Fionnuala Sherry ...
STEVE MILLER BAND’S CLASSIC ALBUM, ‘FLY LIKE AN EAGLE’ RE-ISSUE
The Demon Music Group reissued the Steve Miller Band’s classic 1976 album “Fly Like An Eagle” as a special collector’s edition CD/DVD set on 4th October ...
VARIOUS ARTISTS – All Along The Wall (Fellside Recordings FECD236)
Hadrian’s Wall for many conjures images of the Romans in Britain and to celebrate this iconic image, the Brampton Live festival commissioned this recording utilising ...
MABON – Live At The Grand Pavilion (Easy On The Records EOTR01)
No messing here as Welsh band Mabon take the stage for an opening set of driving reels “Hello Poppet/The Hustler” led by Jamie Smith’s accordion ...
ACOUSTIC EARTH – Travelling Man (Own Label AE01)
Andy Findon is one of those musicians who artists turn to whenever anything wind driven is required to complement their studio productions. Joined by Pete Walton ...
RALPH McTELL – Somewhere Down The Road (Leola Music TPGCD31)
Ralph is obviously as proud of London as any man can be (with the possible exception of Peter Ackroyd) and in his opening track sums ...
SHOW OF HANDS – Arrogance Ignorance And Greed (HMCD 29)
No resting on their laurels for that dynamic duo of ‘folk’, multi-instrumentalists Steve Knightley and Phil Beer bring home the bacon once again with a ...
JEZ LOWE & THE BAD PENNIES – WOTCHEOR! (Tantobie Records TTRCD111)
Whatever I’m doing…everything grinds to a halt whenever I receive a disk featuring Jez Lowe. The reason for this is that I know, even before ...
SECRETS, STORIES and SONGS – Dave Cousins (Witchwood Media Limited)
For those of us lucky enough to have experienced the late 60’s and early 70’s music circuit, we probably enjoyed the most fruitful period of ...
Katzenjammer – A Bar In Amsterdam
Those crazy Norwegian girls Katzenjammer have made the 6 Music playlist with their single A Bar In Amsterdam. A Bar In Amsterdam will be released digitally ...
Catherine MacLellan – Water in the Ground
Matching pure and ethereal vocals with poetic lyrics and her uncompromising song writing craft, there is no doubt as to why Catherine MacLellan has become ...
Doghouse Roses – THIS BROKEN KEY
Artist – Doghouse Roses... Title – THIS BROKEN KEY... Label – Yellowroom Records... Distribution- Proper Distribution... Release Date – October 18th 2010 Paul Tasker and Iona ...
Rory Ellis – Perfectly Damaged
It’s been multiple years now since hearing Australian troubadour Rory Ellis for the first time. I was in a car listening to the latest batch ...
CHRIS RICKETTS & MARK WILLSHIRE – Simple Folk (Hobgoblin HOBCD1012)
The combination of guitar, bass guitar and vocal should be recognisable to anyone old enough to remember the glory days of Bob Fox and Stu ...
BOYD & WAIN – Ain’t No Fairy Tale
Boyd and Wain are an award winning Anglo American Americana/Folk duo. Their music is pure roots and rhythm and the songs are compelling, home grown tales of every ...
Iain Thomson – FIELDS OF DREAMS
Artist – Iain Thomson Title – FIELDS OF DREAMS Label – Self Released FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... I first heard of Iain Thomson from a DJ ...
THE TRUE AND TERRIBLE HISTORY OF JOHN ‘BABBACOMBE’ LEE by Kevin Burke
I can’t remember where I first heard of this staging of Fairport Convention’s celebrated folk-rock opera but it proved irresistible enough for me to obtain ...
Daniel Hertzov releases – BELIEVING
Artist – Daniel Hertzov Title – BELIEVING Label – Red Cat Productions Daniel Hertzov is a singer songwriter and also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who has remained ...
Mark Chadwick (lead singer of the Levellers) speaks to Paul Johnson about his new solo album
Folking.com's Paul Johnson in conversation with Mark Chadwick (lead singer of the Levellers) at Beautiful Days Festival in August 2010. Mark talks about the festival and his ...
JANET DOWD – 300 Miles (Blue Cow Records)
In much the same way that Mary Black and Maura O’Connell established themselves with their distinctive vocals the same could be said of Janet Dowd ...
A L LLOYD – An Evening with A L Lloyd (Fellside Recordings FECD220)
In the early Seventies I spent a day of my ill-spent youth in the company of A L Lloyd at a college in the Elephant ...
DALLA – Cribbar (Dalla Records DACD05)
Sounding not dissimilar to a Klezmer party in full swing courtesy of Hilary Coleman’s clarinet the set of tunes “Fly Cellar/Unity/Heva Cornishe” in fact provide ...
RICHARD DIGANCE – Epsom, Playhouse Theatre 08.07.10
Any man who has the uncanny knack of overcoming every hurdle including nursing a painful left shoulder whilst still maintaining a sense of humour and ...
SALTFISHFORTY – Netherbow
‘Saltfishforty’ (Douglas Montgomery on fiddle / viola and Brian Cromarty on guitar, mandola and vocals) are a powerful and dynamic duo from Orkney who blend ...
LILLY DRUMEVA – Lovin’ You (Music Author Records MK 54604)
I’ve been something of a closet fan of Country/Bluegrass music for quite a few years but it’s only recently that I’ve made an effort to ...
THE OLD DANCE SCHOOL – Forecast (Transition Records TRANSCD04)
If you could sell the word ‘enigma’ as a product then this would be the band to display their wares accordingly. The Old Dance School ...
ROY SCHNEIDER – ERLEICHDA – ALBUM RELEASE AND UK TOUR
Singer/Songwriter Roy Schneider’s third CD release, ERLEICHDA is a collection of lively and soulful Americana, inspired by a combination of his 2009 South-eastern US summer ...
ROSIE CARSON & KEVIN DEMPSEY – The Salty Diamond (Own Label)
I was first introduced to Kevin Dempsey many years ago at the Hedgehog Pie festival in Newcastle (possibly 1976!) and I particularly remember his impressive ...
LIZ CARROLL & JOHN DOYLE – Double Play (Compass Records 7 4502 2)
Don’t you just love it when, from the opening track of a recording you know you are going to experience something really special? Of course ...
CHRIS WOOD – Handmade Life (Ruf Records RUFCD012)
For many years I was quite dismissive about Chris Wood who, rightly or wrongly possessed an air of arrogance that I felt was at odds ...
SOLAS – The Turning Tide (Compass Records 7 4530 2)
Musically speaking I’d say that folk super-group Solas never have an off day and as if proof were needed I’ve been reviewing the band since ...
MUMFORD & SONS – Sigh No More (Universal Records 2722538)
Unlike the photograph on the front cover of the CD book there’s nothing to suggest that musically and vocally Mumford & Sons are a bunch ...
CAROLE KING & JAMES TAYLOR – Live At The Troubadour (Hear Records 0888072320536)
Please, a round of applause for those wonderful folk at BBC 4 TV for, without their skill in picking up documented gems such as Alison ...
4SQUARE – Chronicles (Square Roots Music SQR 1002)
Blimey, I thought I’d stumbled upon a long lost recording by Jim Moray or Seth Lakeman when I heard the first track by 4 Square ...
STOCKTON’S WING – COLLECTION & LIAM O’FLYNN – THE PIPER’S CALL form Tara Records
STOCKTON’S WING – COLLECTION (Tara Records TARA CD 4) LIAM O’FLYNN – THE PIPER’S CALL (Tara Records TARA CD 3037) Nothing in life is certain ...
JOHN McSHERRY – SOMA (Compass Records 7 4538 2)
The sheer beauty of the Uilleann pipes and low whistle is bought vividly to life in the hands of John McSherry. No need for flashy ...
KARAN CASEY & JOHN DOYLE – Exiles Return (Compass Records 7 4529 2)
The beaming smile of a reviewer as he casts his eye over certain members of ‘folk’ royalty appearing in his ‘in’ tray is always reason ...
Catherine Howe & Vo Fletcher – English Tale
Catherine Howe & Vo Fletcher started working together in 2007, just after the reissue of Catherine’s legendary album ‘What A Beautiful Place’ produced by the ...
Album Review: PERFECTLY DAMAGED – RORY ELLIS
Australian Roots/Acoustic/Blues/Country and Western singer/songwriter Rory Ellis has a new album out – his fifth - and it is a real stunner folks! This new ...
SHEP WOOLLEY – GRUMPY OLD MATELOT (Uppit Records BALD 6)
I remember a time when the words ‘folk’ and ‘entertainer’ ran side by side like participants in a well-oiled marathon and artists such as Shep ...
LUNASA – La Nua (Lunasa Records LRCD 001)
Receiving the latest Lunasa CD is like unwrapping the best Christmas present you could wish for. There’s something magical that brings a broad grin to ...
MICHAEL MARRA – Folksong Club, Croydon 19.04.10
Although I personally hadn’t seen or heard Michael Marra before his name is legend on the folk circuit in Scotland. My first image of Marra ...
DALA – Everyone Is Someone (Campus Music)
I heard Dala by chance on the radio one evening and sought out this CD at the earliest opportunity. The Canadian based duo (Amanda Walther ...
RE-ENTRANTS – The Good, The Bad And The Ukulele (Sore Thumb Records)
I can’t remember who suggested I check out The Re-Entrants. Still, it wasn’t a bad idea as my tastes in music spread far wider than ...
GARRY BLAKELEY – ROSE BLAKELEY – The Ceremony Of May (Attitude Records CD-007)
OK, I know nepotism isn’t a nice thing but when the artist I am reviewing just happens to be my best mate in a professional ...
Feast Of Fiddles – Walk Before You Fly
I didn’t know that Elmer Bernstein was a closet ‘folkie’ and that he’d contributed to a canon of ‘folk’ tunes that grace this great little ...
BAD SHEPHERDS – Yan, Tyan Tethera, Methera! (Monsoon Music MONMUCD002)
By hook or by crook here is a CD just waiting to be reviewed. The Bad Shepherds consist of Adrian Edmondson, Troy Donockley, Maartin Allcock ...
DAIMH – Diversions (Greentrax Recordings CDTRAX 343)
Starting with the Gaelic song “Donald’s Sporran” immediately puts me in mind of when I first heard the arrangement of “Brose & Butter” by Ossian ...
TANNAHILL WEAVERS, Willows Folk Club, Arundel 07.04.10
Well, what a week this has turned out to be for Hampshire. Firstly there was the Gosport & Fareham Easter Festival followed swiftly by a ...
GOSPORT & FAREHAM EASTER FESTIVAL – 03 to 04.04.10
I suppose it seems a little weird reviewing a festival that you are a participant as a performer. Still, why not? Firstly let’s set the ...
UNIVERSAL MUSIC SIGN MILLION POUND DEAL WITH TEN CORNISH FISHERMEN
INDEPENDENT RELEASE HALTED AS MAJOR LABEL DISCOVERS PORT ISAAC’S SHANTY SINGERS London, Thursday 18 March 2010: Universal Music today announced that they have reeled in ...
SOCIETY… SONGS FROM THE BRICKHOUSE
"In my opinion this is the best Americana album to come out this year"... Darren Beech www.folking.com Society are a three piece country rock band ...
Dillon hits the spot by Sarah Burch – artsdepot, North Finchley
After a hectic, stressful week, it was such a panacea to chill out at Cara Dillon’s gig at the artsdepot, North Finchley on March 5th ...
SETH LAKEMAN – The Hawth, Crawley 4th March 2010
Well, this was going to be interesting as I wasn’t sure what I’d make of Seth Lakeman only having seen him on a couple of ...
Singer-Songwriter Heaven – The Songs Of Kevin Faherty
Ellis Paul, Diana Jones, Darryl Purpose, Buddy Mondlock and other singer-songwriters each sing one song in this surprise tribute to songwriter Kevin Faherty. EXTRACT FROM ...
KEN NICOL – Tidings (MVS Sound Limited MVS CD002)
I suppose it’s probably a little early/late for this review but anyone who knows me knows I can’t get enough of Ken Nicol’s accomplishments as ...
JIM MALCOLM – Jim Malcolm’s Bard Hair Day (BELDVD101)
This DVD is a gentle parody on the life and times of Robert Burns as seen through the eyes of Scottish singer-songwriter Jim Malcolm. Staging ...
THE 2006 RADIO BALLADS : REISSUED
“For me it was a pinnacle in 40 years of broadcasting. I counted it a privilege and still do.” John Tams - music director “The ...
WEST OF EDEN – Travelogue (Zebra Art Records ZAR 851)
The nomadic life of the wandering minstrel comes vividly to life on this the fifth release by the excellent Swedish band West Of Eden. This ...
ASHLEY HUTCHINGS & KEN NICOL – Copper, Russet And Gold (Park Records PRKCD109)
Ashley Hutchings proves a fine songwriter on the strength of this recording and opening with “I Am Prologue” there’s a sense of pomp in the ...
RICHARD DIGANCE – BBC Radio Devonfolk 14.02.10
Well, I must admit it’s taken me ages to get around to listening to the radio with any real conviction and to be honest the ...
ALTAN – 25th Anniversary Celebration (IRL044)
Is it really 25 years ago that I first saw Altan performing in Hastings at a hastily put together gig in the non too salubrious ...
JEZ LOWE – Folksong Club, Croydon 08.02.10
To fans of folk music everywhere the name Jez Lowe is enough to conjure images of a great night out. As well as his finely ...
BEGGARS’ HILL – Beggars’ Hill (Talking Elephant Records TECD156)
Well, here’s a blast from the past…at least my past. Beggars’ Hill were a ‘collective’ from the Surrey area who, for a labour of love ...
Celtic Connections reviews by Pauline Keightley
Fyfe Dangerfield ABC Glasgow Celtic Connections 20th January 2010... Dangerfield stormed the ABC Glasgow as part of the Celtic connections festival with his latest solo ...
MICHAEL McGOLDRICK – Aurora (Vertical Records VERTCD090)
There’s always a sense of anticipation when you hear news that one of your favourite musicians has just released a new album and of course, ...
KATHRYN TICKELL – The Best Of Kathryn Tickell (Park Records PRKCD107)
I was first introduced to the wonderful sound of Northumbrian Smallpipes on hearing a recording by the High Level Ranters over thirty years ago. Colin ...
DUOTONE – Work Harder & One Day You’ll Find Her (Garrett Brown Music GBMCD 003)
This album reminds me of my youth when I was listening to the likes of Clifford T Ward and Al Stewart. As a journalist it’s ...
McCALMANS – The Greentrax Years (Greentrax Recordings CDTRAX350)
My first encounter with The Macs was around thirty years ago at the Cambridge Folk Festival. I remember being mightily impressed by their vocal wall ...
HANNEKE CASSEL – For Reasons Unseen (Cassel Records HJC2009)
As one of the most exploited instruments in folk music, the fiddle is probably my favourite and when it is performed with such fluidity by ...
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