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An intriguing and committed new set, but one of niche appeal.
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Traditional folk arrangements redrawn in a refreshingly sophisticated style.
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North Carolina outfit’s seventh LP seduces the listener from its first track.
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A Rusby album with a different hue… and none the worse for that.
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Cooder comes out fighting on this presidential election-themed collection.
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It blows hot and cold, but this debut is still a striking calling card.
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Mellifluous one moment, rip-roaring the next, this is a job well done.
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A fine, genuinely solo sixth LP from the Devon-born folk artist.
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The Bristol-based band reveals hidden contours of genre-free music with fantastic results.
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One of the more colourful folk albums of 2011, from a pair of true virtuosos.
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Confirms that Simpson remains at the top of his game.
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When early music meets folk, oddness abounds – but the revenge is very sweet.
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A collaboration album that constantly scores on almost every level
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The family gene is alive and well across this debut album.
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Schmidt gambles everything on lyrical intensity and simple presentation, and succeeds.
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A collection marked by the many shifting contours of his remarkable career.
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Tabor’s a colossus, and this is one of her finest hours.
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Reassuringly relaxed and refreshingly gimmick-free live LP from the Scottish singer.
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Acoustic songs from the late singer’s catalogue carrying great emotional weight.
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She merits inclusion among the all-time greats.
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Confidently establishes its own niche instead of falling between the cracks of others.
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Endorses Brazil’s proud musical heritage while drastically re-arranging it.
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An album pitched at the pure heart of fado tradition.
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An album of bounding energy and unexpected eclecticism.
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A triumphant experiment that feels surprisingly authentic.
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An album that marks the coming of age of another great African talent.
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Brazilian bossa nova that flaunts its retro roots to sleepy effect.
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A formidable and rather heart-warming statement of solidarity and defiance.
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A frequently transfixing album from the Moroccan singer.
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The Grammy Award-winner’s gorgeous voice cuts through to magical effect.
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The Barbers have pulled out the stops on an album as thrilling as their live shows.
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At heart an album of real songs with real emotions for real people.
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Their magic can’t be bottled into something as fizzy as this album.
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So assured is Nelson that it’s impossible not to feel the love.
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Malian star-in-waiting Yalomba releases his first album outside Africa.
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Isolated moments of magic fail to ignite the rest of this disappointing album.
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He weaves his highly individual magic in an infectious and mysterious style.
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They remain a vital force in a music that still symbolises Cuba.
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The former-Unthank’s gift for a charged lyric and a compelling tune is undiminished.
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An unassuming, yet consuming album from the impressive Ferrard.
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Confirms Wood as one of the English music’s most potent, if complex, talents.
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We are certainly in the presence of a mighty talent.
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An album of immense subtlety and constantly surprising contrasts.
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Lush, acoustic delicacy and smooth-as-silk harmonies – but where’s the anger?
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It’s good to hear music played with obviously beaming smiles.
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A chance to grasp the full essence of the man behind the legend.
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These are timeless songs for all seasons.
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A committed, convincing reinvention of a Brit folk institution.
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Majestic recordings by a genuine world music pioneer.
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A double-disc set of sophisticated studio recordings and acoustic fare.
