Emma Ballantine - Somebody's Story EP (31/03/17)
- Artist: Emma Ballantine
- Genre: Folk, Pop, Singer-Songwriter
- Release Date: 31st March, 2017
- Record Label: Shut Up Jo Records
- Tracks: 4
- Website:
Rag n Bone Man - Human (10/02/17)
- Artist: Rag n Bone Man
- Genre: Hip Hop, Soul, Blues and Funk
- Release Date: 10th February, 2017
- Record Label: Columbia
- Tracks: 12
- Website: http://www.ragnbonemanmusic.com/
Human is the platinum selling debut album from Rory Graham, aka Rag’n’Bone Man and features the title track ‘Human’ and ‘Skin’.
Oh Wonder - Ultralife (14/07/17)
- Artist: Oh Wonder
- Genre: Pop, Singer-Songwriter
- Release Date: 14th July, 2017
- Record Label: Universal-Island Records Ltd.
- Tracks: 12
- Website: http://ohwondermusic.com/
Leveret - Inventions (15/09/17)
- Artist: Leveret
- Genre: Traditional Folk, Folk
- Release Date: 15th September, 2017
- Record Label: RootBeat Records
- Tracks: TBA
- Website: https://www.leveretband.com
Leveret features three of England's finest folk musicians in an exciting new collaboration. Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron are each regarded as masters of their instrument and are involved in numerous collaborations with a huge range of artists. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity.
Leveret's music is firmly rooted in the English tradition but sounds fresh and new, with original settings of ancient tunes sitting alongside new compositions by some of today's finest tunesmiths in the folk field. Their music is not arranged at all in the conventional sense: instead it is played entirely in the moment, combining consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity in a sound which feels both timeless and contemporary. The material may come from archive sources and manuscripts, but there is nothing academic or historical about the sound: it's warm, listenable, engaging and refreshing.
Fiddler Sam Sweeney is the current BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 'Musician of the Year', thanks to his work in Bellowhead, Eliza Carthy's Wayward Band, The Full English and his own Made In The Great War project. Melodeon genius Andy Cutting is a two-time winner of that award, and as well as his new trio with Martin Simpson and Nancy Kerr currently performs with Blowzabella, Topette, June Tabor, and Roger Daltry. Concertina wizard Rob Harbron is known for his work with The Full English (Best Group and Best Album BBC Folk Awards 2014), Emma Reid, Fay Hield, Jon Boden and others.
The English folk tradition has not always valued its instrumental repertoire as highly as some of our neighbours, and yet the tunes exist in their thousands in manuscripts and archives. For every tune in current circulation, there are dozens more that are waiting to be rediscovered, and Leveret's music has helped inspire a growing interest in instrumental music. A Leveret gig is a current and contemporary performance of English repertoire by three top-notch instrumentalists with deep roots in the tradition.
Paradisia - Sound Of Freedom (26/05/17)
- Artist: Paradisia
- Genre: Folk, Pop
- Release Date: 26th May, 2017
- Record Label: Paradisia
- Tracks: 12
- Website: http://paradisiaofficial.com/
ophie-Rose and Kristy played their first show together in a support slot at Brixton Academy in 2010 whilst playing in punk band 'Rum Shebeen'. A chance spotting of a harp belonging to Anna at her house party united the three, as well as a mutual love of Joni Mitchell, and since then the past five years have been spent working together on a number of musical projects. Having toured extensively with these previous projects, supporting the likes of Paolo Nutini, Carole King and Bruce Springsteen in Hyde Park, Paradisia spent time in Berlin to record their debut record in 2015 and chose their cover of Springsteen’s 'Dancing in the Dark' as their debut single. The track rose to #8 in the HypeMachine chart and has over 50,000 plays on SoundCloud to date. Of the track, the band says ‘it’s a beautifully written song and slowing it down was our way of bringing attention to the lyrics, so we wanted to show the beauty and sadness of them with our own interpretation’.
The band's name itself is a word they use to describe an idealistic and beautiful aesthetic, a space away from reality to a place that occupies a perfect limbo between this world and a dreamlike utopia, the diversion to a higher sphere that music tends to offer most often: escapism. With relatable lyrics that draw inspiration from personal experiences, Paradisia is a world into which most can escape.
Paradisia released their 12-track debut album 'Sound Of Freedom' on the 26th May, 2017.
Sound Of The Sirens - For All Our Sins (26/05/17)
- Artist: Sound Of The Sirens
- Genre: Acoustic Folk-Rock
- Release Date: 26th May, 2017
- Record Label: Dmf Records
- Tracks: 10
- Website: http://www.soundofthesirens.net/
There's a certain transcendent magic that happens when two contrasting voices coalesce in perfect harmony - think The Everly Brothers, Simon & Garfunkel or George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Imperceptibly, they can raise you from the temporal to the spiritual in the breath of a song, and set you floating among the firmament infused with a sense of wonder - just like Sound of the Sirens. Exeter-based duo Abbe Martin and Hannah Wood dovetail beautifully on their debut album, For All Our Sins, a beguiling acoustic pop collection replete with lyrical sensibility. Already championed by Chris Evans - who declared himself "blown away" when he heard Sound of the Sirens for the first time, and subsequently invited them to perform alongside U2 and Take That on TFI Friday last year - they're certain to broaden a burgeoning fan base on the back of For All Our Sins. It's a fan base built up not just over several sublime EP releases - but also through their live shows, which combine a natural facility for connecting with their audiences and unforgettable performances predicated on energy, warmth, humour and, above all, real conviction. Sound of the Sirens want to both enlighten and entertain, and they want to do it with euphony. For All Our Sins accomplishes all of the above.
Andrew Combs - Canyons Of My Mind (07/04/17)
- Artist: Andrew Combs
- Genre: Country Soul
- Release Date: 7th April, 2017
- Record Label: Loose Music, under exclusive license from Andrew Combs
- Tracks: 11
- Website: https://www.andrewcombsmusic.com/
Sarah Darling - Dream Country (10/02/17)
- Artist: Sarah Darling
- Genre: Country-Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Country. Pop
- Release Date: 10th February, 2017
- Record Label: Be Darling Records (Independent)
- Tracks: 10
- Website: https://www.sarahdarling.com
Already one of my favourite new albums this year is the wonderful and cinematic 'Dream Country'. It was crowdfunded via Kickstarter earlier this year and just shows the superb quality of music available when very talented artists and musicians have full creative control. Already a very well-known name in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee singer-songwriter Sarah Darling has years of experience as a songwriter and a performer behind her. Since moving to Nashville when she was 19, Sarah’s long list of achievements are very impressive. She has supported big stadium artists such as Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Vince Gill and Tim Mcgraw, accumulated over a million downloads and performed at the legendary Grand Ole Opry over 80 times. With US radio successes under her belt, including hit singles ‘Home to Me,’ and ‘Little Umbrellas’ this Iowa native has solidified her place as one of Country music’s breakout performers and elite vocalists. Sarah first came to the public's attention in 2003 after becoming a top three finalist in the TV show 'The Entertainer' hosted by Wayne Newton. Her debut album 'Every Monday Morning' was released in 2009 followed up by her highly acclaimed second album 'Angels & Devils' in 2011. Her new self released third album 'Dream Country' is a beautiful written and arranged piece of 'musical magic' showcasing Sarah's wonderfully pure vocals. This is definitely an album to have on your Christmas list....it's stunning!
Alison Krauss - Windy City (03/03/17)
- Artist: Alison Krauss
- Genre: Americana, Bluegrass
- Release Date: 3rd March, 2017
- Record Label: Capitol Records
- Tracks: 10
- Website: https://alisonkrauss.com/
Before I start I must confess that I'm a huge fan of this lady and her music. Alison Krauss has one of the purest vocals in the music industry and currently has an incredible 27 Grammy awards to her name. This new solo album 'Windy City' has been a long while in the making, but it has certainly been worth the wait. It's her first effort away from her band Union Station since Raising Sand and her debut album for Capitol Records. The album features Alison performing 10 classic songs that she carefully selected with producer Buddy Cannon. Already receiving much critical acclaim, this is certain to be one of the Country albums of the year.
Harbottle & Jonas - Anna Is A Dancer (28/04/17)
- Artist: Harbottle & Jonas
- Genre: Folk
- Release Date: 28th April, 2017
- Record Label: Independent
- Tracks: 8
- Website: https://www.harbottleandjonas.com/
Patch & The Giant - All That We Had, We Stole (10/02/17)
- Artist: Patch & The Giant
- Genre: Indie Folk, Folk, Blues, Alternative
- Release Date: 10th February, 2017
- Record Label: Absolute:
- Tracks: 12 (+1 hidden bonus track)
- Website: http://www.patchandthegiant.com/
London indie five piece Patch & The Giant are a very exciting live band, so it was very interesting to see how this energy would translate into their debut album, the imaginatively titled 'All That We Had, We Stole'. Their fresh music is a fusion of styles lending comparison to bands like US Indie folk 'Beirut', American Indie Rockers 'The Decemberists', a harder-edged 'Keston Cobblers Club' and Brighton's very own folk-rock band 'The Levellers'. It has a Irish folk-rock feel coupled with an almost eastern european influence at times, which we would like to name 'Celtic Balticana'. The album is full of rousing anthemic songs interspersed with some dark brooding and personal songs. It's complemented by Angie's accordion, harmonica and trumpet, Nick's bass and string playing from Gabriel and Derek. It's Luke's distinct vocal which give the album it's raw Celtic sounding edge.
Coven - Unholy Choir EP (01/03/17)
- Artist: Coven ( Belinda O'Hooley, Heidi Tidow, Rowan Rheingans, Hannah James, Hazel Askew and Grace Petrie)
- Genre: Folk
- Release Date: 1st March, 2017
- Record Label: Coven (independent)
- Tracks: 6
- Website:
It's always very exciting when some of our favourite UK folk artists come together a form a new supergroup. Coven are a collective of three of the British folk scene's finest, most formidable and forthright female acts. Combining the talents of the multi-award winning O'Hooley & Tidow, Lady Maisery and Grace Petrie 'Unholy Choir' is their first recording and it's a great one too. Brought together three years ago to celebrate 'International Women's Day' this new supergroup has gone from strength to strength, currently embarking on a twelve date UK tour including two London dates. Before listening to this EP you're assured of a few things excellent songwriting and arrangements, super harmonies, musicianship and plenty of heart and passion. To quote an old Ronseal advert 'it does what it says on the tin'......or it this case the cover.
Megan & The Common Threads - Stories To Tell EP (24/02/17)
- Artist: Megan & The Common Threads
- Genre: Country-Pop, Country-Rock, Americana
- Release Date: 24th February, 2017
- Record Label: Megan O'Neil/Megan & The Common Threads (Independent)
- Tracks: 6
- Website: http://meganandthecommonthreads.com/
Already one of the leading young stars of UK Country and Americana, Megan O'Neil together with the core team of Dan Clark and Tom Smith formed a new band called 'Megan & The Common Threads' just under a year ago. Their first band gig was held at the famous 'Troubadour' in West London', which I had the great pleasure of attending. 'Stories To Tell' is their new exciting debut mini album, with it's launch gig planned at the new Sound Lounge in Tooting on 3rd March. It was produced by the legendary Guy Fletcher (Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler, Roxy Music) at British Grove Studios last year. With support from all their friends and fans the album was very successfully crowdfunded through Pledge Music. Featuring six original songs the albums is co-written by Megan along with Dan and two others Corney and Maddox.
Ned Roberts - Outside My Mind (24/03/17)
- Artist: Ned Roberts
- Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Acoustic
- Release Date: 24th March, 2017
- Record Label: Aveline Records
- Tracks: 10
- Website: https://www.nedroberts.co.uk
After Ned Roberts' excellent self titled and critically acclaimed debut released in 2014, we were looking forward to more music from this very talented London based singer-songwriter. His latest release 'Outside My Mind' doesn't disappoint. It is a collection of self penned songs released by the excellent Aveline Records who stable include artists such as Ani DiFranco, Ruth Theodore, Linah Rocio and The Goat Roper Band.
The album boasts excellent high quality and pure vocal from Ned combined with perfectly complementary stripped arrangements. Reflective, heartfelt, melancholy and bittersweet...but with a feeling of hope for the future. It exists in spirit in the original Laurel Canyon and Greenwich Village of the late 60's, while remaining true to its modern London roots.
Good Harvest - In A Life And Place Like This (31/03/17)
- Artist: Good Harvest
- Genre: Folk, Americana, Singer-Songwriter
- Release Date: 31st March, 2017
- Record Label: Space Station 12 / BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd
- Tracks: 15 or 16 (with extra live bonus track)
- Website: http://goodharvestmusic.com/
Scandinavia has long been a hotbed of great music and musicians and Hanna Enlöf & Ylva Eriksson of Good Harvest are the latest excellent emerging acoustic duo. Based in Falan in Sweden their music has been described as "extraordinary beautiful, emotional and well crafted". They call themselves musical twins, which shines through the inter-weaved harmonies and excellent interaction on stage. Quite simply they have the 'wow!' factor. Conjuring the vibe of modern groups like The Staves and First Aid Kit and Joseph while echoing classic 'Laurel Canyon' musicians like Joni Mitchell and CSNY. To best describe their music, imagine a mix of how Simon & Garfunkel play together add the harmonies of Nick Drake and finish of with the strong approach and narrative style of Gillian Welch.
Jack Harris - The Wide Afternoon (20/01/17)
- Artist: Jack Harris
- Genre: Folk, Singer-Songwriter
- Release Date: 20th January, 2017
- Record Label: Rootbeat Records
- Tracks: 11
- Website: http://jackharrismusic.com/
London based singer-songwriter Jack Harris is quite unique in the world of UK Folk. Anais Mitchell once described him as "A priest of song who holds himself to an ancient, rigorous code of beauty most of us have forgotten exists". Jack was a SXSW showcasing artist at 17, as well as the youngest ever winner of the Kerrville Folk Festival's New Folk Award in 2005 (previous winners include Gillian Welch, Devon Sproule and Anais Mitchell). He has been the recipient of the PRS ATOM award for new music creation, as well as an EFDSS creative bursary for songwriting. The follow-up to his critical acclaimed 'The Flame & The Pelican' is a collection of eleven new intriguing songs and tales of mystery rooted in the folk & blues traditions. 'The Wide Afternoon' has subjects including dangerous men, literary women, stolen horses and vanished birds. It's somber and reflective with wonderfully composed rich lyrics and soundscapes, like a musical love child of Tom Waits and James Joyce. All delivered by master wordsmith Jack in his smoky vocals coupled with his own special arrangements and intimate style, woven into exquisite finger-picked acoustic guitar. Jack is the rare musical equivalent of a 'triple threat'.
Rhiannon Giddens - Freedom Highway (24/02/17)
- Artist: Rhiannon Giddens
- Genre: Folk, Americana
- Release Date: 24th February, 2017
- Record Label: Nonsuch
- Tracks: 12
- Website: http://www.rhiannongiddens.com/
Freedom Highway, Grammy Award–winner and 2017 Grammy nominee Rhiannon Giddens’ follow-up to her highly praised debut album Tomorrow Is My Turn includes nine original songs Giddens wrote or co-wrote while she and her band toured after Tomorrow Is My Turn’s 2015 release, along with a traditional song and two civil rights-era songs, ‘Birmingham Sunday’ and Staple Singers’ well-known ‘Freedom Highway’, from which the album takes its name. Giddens’ writing for Freedom Highway is a departure from Tomorrow Is My Turn, which included one original song, with the rest being her interpretations of songs written or performed by a wide variety of female musicians. Giddens co-produced Freedom Highway with multi-instrumentalist Dirk Powell in his Breaux Bridge, Louisiana studio, with the bulk of recording done in wooden rooms built prior to the Civil War. As producers, Giddens and Powell sought to release the stories already in the walls, allowing the space to be a voice in itself. This approach allowed for an emotional fearlessness and presence not always easy to achieve in the studio. Together they assembled the players, which included her superb touring band, local musicians from the bayou, a soulful horn section from New York, and talented family members. The principle recording was done over an intense eight day period. The result is an album that is rawer and more personal than its predecessor. The day after the election, Giddens wrote of the title track: "I am a daughter of the South; of the white working class, of the black working class; of the Democrat, and the Republican; of the gay, and the straight; and I can tell you one thing—we are far more alike than we are different. We cannot let hate divide us; we cannot let ignorance diminish us; we cannot let those whose greed fills their every waking hour take our country from us. They can't take U.S. from US—unless we let them. I recorded this with Bhi Bhiman, all-American singer-songwriter from St. Louis, whose parents are from Sri Lanka. America's strength are her people, whether they came 4,000, 400, or 40 years ago, and we can't leave anyone behind. Let's walk down Freedom Highway together. Written by Pops Staples in 1965."
Greg Russell - Inclined To Be Red (21/07/17)
- Artist: Greg Russell
- Genre: Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Acoustic
- Release Date: 21st July, 2017
- Record Label: Fellside Recordings
- Tracks: 12
- Website: http://www.gregrussellfolk.co.uk/
Martin Simpson - Trails & Tribulations (01/09/17)
- Artist: Martin Simpson
- Genre: Folk, Americana
- Release Date: 1st September, 2017
- Record Label: Topic Records
- Tracks: 13 (+6 Deluxe edition)
- Website: http://www.martinsimpson.com/
World-renowned guitarist, singer and songwriter Martin Simpson releases his 20th solo album ‘Trails & Tribulations’ on September 1st, 2017 via Topic Records. The new studio album is his first new solo work since 2013’s critically acclaimed ‘Vagrant Stanzas.
Emily Mae Winters - Siren Serenade (28/04/17)
- Artist: Emily Mae Winters
- Genre: Indie Folk, Americana, Folk
- Release Date: 28th April, 2017
- Record Label: Emily Mae Winters (Independent)
- Tracks: 11
- Website: http://www.emilymaewinters.com/
Emily Mae Winters' haunting folk songs are quickly permeating the folk scene. A poetic singer songwriter; her music splits the difference between folk, transatlantic and country. Produced by BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner, Ben Walker, 'Siren Serenade' is an 11 track album which features a mixture of contemporary original and traditional and folk songs drawing inspiration from poetry and literature and drawing on themes of love, loss, fate and memory.
The album features a host of top folk names including Ben Walker (Guitar), Evan Carson (Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys- Drums), Ben Savage (Dobro), Hannah Sanders (Additional Vocals), Lukas Drinkwater (Double Bass) and more.