This week the list is inspired by my fabulous day at Kimpton Folk Festival. The love and joy baked into the whole event is a rare and gentle gem which I felt lucky to share in. We have also released another podcast episode this week, we are joined in the studio by Rob Clamp for a great chat.

Bryony Griffith and Alice Jones, song collectors and multi instrumentalist duo have such a heartwarming tone, welcoming spirit and quintessential folk sound, it was such a pleasure to see them at Kimpton this year. Alice brought her harmonium and the sound of it in the church layered with Bryony’s guitar was spine tingling.

Farther daughter duo Louise and Chris Rogan, were captivating at Kimpton, playing in the church Louise’s crisp, soaring vocals glistened against the solid sound of Chris’s harmonies and guitar accompaniment.

I am so sad to be reporting that the outstanding sound of Calum Gilligan will be less present on the live folk scene for a while as he has announced his intension to step back from the music scene. I included Otago Fox on this list but Calum’s does not disappoint, take some time to listen his back catalogue and you will what a shame it is that he is hanging up his strings for a bit… I just hope it’s not too long.

Luke Jackson blew me away at Kimpton this year. I have always loved his sound and awesome lyrical skill, but seeing Luke perform live, solo with just his breathtaking voice and astounding guitar skill was something I was either expecting nor prepared for. Luke is like fresh snow on a steel factory, soft and pure with an iron core.

Also notable from Kimpton this year, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan were sensational as always, Track Dog’s literally blew the roof off the memorial hall, and the Sam Kelly Trio were wonderful live.

Some other stand out tracks on this week’s list in my opinion are Herman Düne, with a scratchy and hard lament about the moonlight on Gaffey Street.

In an unusual double bill listing for me, I have chosen two songs from Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage for the list. I love their tone and their latest album “in the dark we grow’ is brilliant. I have also included the opening tack from that album “Border Widow’s Lament” which has had its hooks in me since the first listen.

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This is the Week 28 list published on 7th July 2025 and running until 14th July , 2025.

The List. #28.2025