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
Sean Khan: Sean Khan Presents the Modern Jazz and Folk Ensemble review – classics reinvigorated
A collective of genre-straddling talents give new life to songs by Nick Drake, John Martyn and Sandy Denny
Goblin Band: Come Slack Your Horse! review – rowdy, flamboyant folk
Born out of a London musical instruments shop where members worked, the Paul McCartney-approved band’s first EP is eager and theatrical, sometimes to a fault
Jess Ribeiro: Summer of Love review – a balm for anxious times
With expansive, experimental instrumentation, the Melbourne musician’s fourth album records our contemporary chaos – and finds a glimmer of hope
Fran & Flora: Precious Collection review – strings, shimmer and siren song whip up a desirous mood
This spirited adventure in the avant garde is as experimental as it is accessible, delving into hot-blooded Sirba and Transylvanian epics
Julie Abbé: Out of the Ashes review – a beautiful expression of the grieving process
The UK-based French folk singer embellishes her trad leanings with sultry blues and upbeat swing on a poignant and poetic second album