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