Joshua Burnell
Glass Knight
(Bandcamp/Mister Vally Records)
★★★★

YORK-based performer Joshua Burnell has been charming folk festival audiences this summer with his fifth album defying any simplistic labelling of genres.

Reflecting his interest in sci-fi, ancient folklore and fairy tales it can best be described as a folk-rock concept album. 

The opening track When Planets Collide opens with the sound of breaking glass, the theme of destruction recurring throughout. The title track is a retelling of an old Essex folk tale where a glass knight slays a serpent king but, in this version, the local populace then destroys the glass knight when they see their foibles reflected in his armour. 

Looking Glass is Snow White retold from the perspective of the mirror questioning what beauty really means, and Lucy is a jaunty song about a rock star.

Despite a somewhat apocalyptic tone the impressive backing band and vocals give the album an uplifting feel.

Bella Gaffney
Reflections
(Self Released)
★★★★

BOTH as a solo performer and a member of The Magpies Bella Gaffney continues to make waves on the folk scene. This solo album has a number of self-penned tracks together with re-workings of traditional songs.

The opening track Black Water is a homage to her homeland of Yorkshire. This is followed by Blood in the Earth, a collaboration with Australian singer Leesa Ghentz, that addresses the issue of climate change and the need for collective action.

Another collaboration is with Sam Kelly on a poignant version of the traditional Fair and Tender Ladies, while Gaffney’s own composition Blue is a coffee house love song. 

The album ends with her live version of the traditional song Gallows Pole. Recorded by many artists including Leadbelly and Led Zeppelin, her distinct version has a less upbeat ending for the man concerned. 

However, it is positivity that characterises the album overall.

Sean Taylor
Short Stories
(Sean Taylor Songs)
★★★★

THIS latest album from London troubadour Sean Taylor is a collection of new songs telling stories based on real life experiences and encounters.

Happy Days opens the album with reference to Samuel Beckett’s play. Snowdonia is based on a February swim in Lake Snowdon where despite the cold we can still celebrate a magical place. 

Open Your Heart to Love is based on three or four different conversations on the road giving advice to people who have difficulty expressing their true feelings.
 
As with his previous albums politics are not far from the surface. Set Me Free is a love song set against the background of the cost-of-living crisis, and Gravestones is a humorous bluesy number dealing with conspiracy theories. 

An enjoyable album ending with a celebration of life in the final track Be Cool.