John Paul Jones at the controls for CD number two for this excellent female quartet. Rayna Gellert, Abigail Washburn, Kristin Andreassen and A.C. Carter are terrific musicians whose vocals like their music blend and gel with oneness. A stringband yes but one that embraces old and new, with a shine and enthusiasm delivering something special and fresh.

Graham Radley

The Calling is Carpenter’s second co-production with pianist Matt Rollings, the pair having first worked together on 2004’s ”Between Here and Gone’. There’s a political edge to tracks like ‘Why Shouldn’t We’ and ‘On The Song’ while ‘Houston’ is about the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Other songs like ." "We’re Alright" is a driving song of escape and freedom from the strains of life. while "Twilight" takes us into the serenity of that time of day. Excellent.

Graham Radley

CD one is ‘Contemporary Country’ and the 16 tracks includes Lonestar, Nanci Griffith, Rodney Crowell and Heather Myles. CD2: ‘The 60’s Legacy’, has 15 tracks and moves from The Byrds to the Flatlanders via Guy Clark & Chet Atkins. ‘Country Legends’ completes the 3 CD set, among those featured are Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, George Jones and The Stanley Brothers. An excellent introduction.

Graham Radley

16 track ‘Collection’ which brings together tracks which have never before appeared on an Alison Krauss album including material from off soundtracks (eg ‘Down To The River To Pray’ from the ‘O Brother Where Art Thou’ soundtrack) and five previously unreleased tracks. There are duets with Sting, Brad Paisley, James Taylor, John Waite and my particular favourite her vocal/fiddle duet with Natalie MacMaster of ‘Get Me Through December’.

Graham Radley

Roy Paci & Aretuska from Sicily get us off to a joyful start with a romping ska track ‘Ciuri Ciuri’. Next there’s zouk from Martinique followed by further Caribbean influences via Denmark’s Laid Back which in turn rolls into the classic Osibisa track ‘Sunshine Day. Further tracks include Burning Spear, L’Orchestre Tropica d’Hait and Beau Joque & The Zydeco Hi Rollers. Spreading the universal music party vibe.

Graham Radley

Two CDs which showcase this virtuosa guitarist in a range of solo, duo and group performances. Tracks include: Madrid Flamenco, Cordero De Dios: Bulerias, Tango Mayor Y Menor and De La Prima a la Bordona (one of seven tracks featuring Eduardo Falu). Master at work.

Graham Radley

An unlikely pairing as such but Champion Doug was the person who first discovered the Bhundo Boys (of whom Rise was a founding member) and invited them to the UK. You’ll soon recognise the zinging fluidity of Rise’s guitar as we get a timely reminder of his skill as a guitarist while Champion Doug’s influence means the mixture is further flavoured by country and some blues. Worth a listen.

Graham Radley

The sad part is that Ibrahim died three weeks before the final recording session for this but thankfully his final wish and dream, that his beloved bolero album be completed has now been realised. From the very first note Ibrahim’s voice grips you emotionally, music that is not beyond making you shed a tear as it gently dances with you. There’s a superb small group behind the great man which includes Roberto Fonesca and Cachaito Lopez. Wonderful.

Graham Radley

Teressa Edwards was born and raised in Trinidad but now resides in England. Her My Space page states that this is both her debut and second album so I’m a little confused! Whatever the case may be ‘Days Ahead’ is a solid R&B/soul set which showcases Tersessa’s sweet honey voice perfectly. She particularly shines on the nu-soul orientated tracks ‘No More’ and the title track, a simple but effective mellow groove with warm key chords.

Andy Allen

Soul DJ Andy Davies kick starts his new Streetsoul label in fine style with this Chicago rarity which he discovered on acetate whilst working at John Anderson’s Soul Bowl record shop during the mid 90s. After airing ‘Joy Trip (Part 1)’ on his radio show the track caused a huge buzz amongst the soul fraternity and has eventually resulted in this release. ‘Joy Trip (Part 1)’ is a majestic string fueled two stepper of the highest order but the album packed full of quality tunes covering northern, crossover and funk styles plus a great version of The Lovelites’ ‘Get It Off My Conscience’.

Andy Allen