Reviews

Do You Love

Otava Yo

Otava Yo are a slightly eccentric Russian folk band from St Petersburg who like to play with the traditions and...

Reviewed in issue December/2019

9Bach

9Bach

I reviewed 9Bach's debut for a national newspaper back in 2009 and it remains my favourite album of theirs. Ten...

Reviewed in issue November/2019

Barcelone

Les Violons de Bruxelles

Judging by recent releases, choro – the Afro-European progenitor of samba – is making a comeback, especially outside its native...

Reviewed in issue November/2019

The Woman and Her Words

Hannah James & The JigDoll Ensemble

Accordionist, singer and dancer Hannah James has been an adventurous and much-admired figure on the folk scene through her many...

Reviewed in issue November/2019

Gharnata

Luis de la Carrasca

Gharnata takes its name from the Arabic for Granada, capital city of flamenco. Singer Luis de la Carrasca has long...

Reviewed in issue November/2019

Handmade Tales

Tradish

Based in Denmark but with roots in traditional Irish music, Manchester-born John Pilkington (guitar, bouzouki and vocals), with Danes Louise...

Reviewed in issue November/2019

Gold of Scar & Shale

Jack Rutter

For his second solo album, the highly regarded West Yorkshire singer and multi-instrumentalist Jack Rutter recorded the whole set live...

Reviewed in issue November/2019

Kodu

Leana & Hartwin

Leana & Hartwin are a folk duo based on Saaremaa, an Estonian island in the Baltic Sea.Leana Vapper-Dhoore was born...

Reviewed in issue November/2019

Battlefield Dance Floor

Show of Hands

This 18th studio album from Devon favourites Show of Hands treads territory their loyal fans know so well – a...

Reviewed in issue November/2019

Lummen

Sirus

An album of depth and soul, this is an impressive debut for Sirus. There are strong influences from Scandinavia (the...

Reviewed in issue November/2019