Jeremiah Johnson,”Hi-Fi Drive By” (Ruf Records)- The latest offering from Thomas Ruf’s admirable blues based label focusses attention on the exuberant musical exploits of St.Louis singer-guitarist Jeremiah Johnson. This critically acclaimed character has joined forces with some of the finest musicians that his Missouri hometown has to offer as he delivers a genre busting package which runs the gamut from archetypal rockers such as “ ‘68 Coupe Deville” to the Latinesque “Hot Blooded Love” and the brass laden blues of “Skippin’ School” and “The Squeeze,” showcasing one of the most impressive horn sections that you could ever wish to hear on this or any other album. The finished product should appeal to anyone who’s ever enjoyed the collected works of Albert or Freddie King or any of the fine musicians who recorded for the Stax organisation during its creative heyday, and roots music enthusiasts should find it well nigh indispensable.

David Carroll and Friends,”Bold Reynold” (Talking Elephant)-This interesting collection was the brainchild of David Carroll, who has actively immersed himself in the delights of traditional music for the past half a century or so as both a performer and instrument maker. Carroll’s long overdue solo debut ,”Bold Reynold,” has now finally been captured for posterity by the good people at Talking Elephant and the contents feature his affectionate interpretations of a string of classics from the folk canon, including “She Moved Through The Fair” and “Banks of the Nile” as well as a fine revamp of Dave Cousins’ classic “The Battle,” stylishly aided and abetted by assorted members of venerable institutions such as Fairport Convention and Gryphon, whose multi-talented Brian Gulland displays his mastery of the crumhorn, contra bassoon and cor anglais in the process.

Julian Taylor,”Beyond The Reservoir” (Howling Turtle, Inc.)- Toronto based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor describes “Beyond The Reservoir” as “an adolescence record-a coming of age story-about moving into adulthood,” and the eagerly anticipated follow up to 2020’s critically acclaimed “The Ridge” certainly cements his reputation as one of the most tuneful and thought provoking figures operating in the Americana genre today. Taylor’s intimate and conversational approach to the art of performance lends added charm to stand-out tracks such as “Stolen Lands,” “Moonlight” and “Seeds.”