Willie Watson: Willie Watson review – a former hell-raiser finds his voice

Known for his versions of old American folk, the singer finally puts his extraordinary voice at the service of his own material

Mustafa: Dunya review – poet’s songwriting is a little too beautiful for its own good

The multitalented Canadian renders his subtle songs in tasteful autumnal shades – but could have benefitted from more head-turning numbers such as Gaza Is Calling

The Rheingans Sisters: Start Close In review – a radical leap into darkness

With their golden voices, fertile soundworlds and evocative influences from across Europe, the Sheffield duo’s fifth album is admirably confrontational

Astrid Williamson: Shetland Suite review – a beautiful enchantment

The Scottish musician pays tribute to her homeland and her late mother with this powerfully moving set

Supersonic festival review – an awesome windmill of noise and connection

This festival of heavier sounds from the fringes was a blast, from chilling Gazelle Twin to Daisy Rickman’s Krautrock-folk, noise icons Melt-Banana and locals Flesh Creep

Nuala Kennedy and Eamon O’Leary: Hydra review – sumptuous folk songs

With guests including Will Oldham and Anaïs Mitchell, this record’s island setting seems to bring extra light and warmth to stories of the sea, love, work, war and migration

Maestros in Fusion review – virtuosic Indian ensemble knit two traditions together

Six supremely talented jazz and classical instrumentalists, whose humility belies their mastery, all show how malleable and moving their music can be

Womad festival review – wildly entertaining treasure trove for adventurous music fans

Radically inclusive global lineup includes Sampa the Great’s feminist pizzazz, Young Fathers’ twisted genre-splicing and Bixiga 70’s full-tent conga

Raphael Rogiński: Žaltys review – hypnotic eastern European folk

This searching, soulful release conjures up the spirit of summers spent by the lake and in the forest

Peiriant: Dychwelyd review – iridescent soundscapes summon spirit of the mountains

Violinist Rose Linn-Pearl and sound artist husband Dan weave their artistry into a vivid collection evoking the natural wonders of their Welsh home

The Zawose Queens: Maisha review – vocal power and family stories

Pendo and Leah, daughter and granddaughter of Tanzanian musician Hukwe Zawose, use mesmerising thumb piano and shifting polyphony to create stirring songs

Richard Thompson: Ship to Shore review – another collection of beautifully gruelling material

Life gives more grist to the mill of the veteran singer-songwriter, whose guitar playing remains as eloquent as ever

Landless: Lúireach review – fans of Celtic music should flock to this stunning sound

Four powerful voices weave tender yet disquieting harmonies on a second album that honours bold women

Richard Thompson review – a showcase for decades of exquisite craft

In a sublime concert full of banter, storytelling and guitar virtuosity, the 75-year-old surrenders himself completely to each moment

Kaia Kater: Strange Medicine review – Canadian banjo virtuoso packs a powerful punch

The Canadian-Grenadian singer-songwriter’s phenomenal playing underscores strongly personal and political themes on her superb fourth album