The super-duo are back together after 14 years. Great guitarist and singer Martin Carthy and virtuoso violin player Dave Swarbrick first became heroes of the British folk scene when they worked as an acoustic duo back in the 1960s, before Swarbrick went off to join the finest lineup of Fairport Convention. They were reunited in the early 90s, but Swarbrick then became so ill that the Daily Telegraph famously published his premature obituary. He has now recovered and, following an emotional reunion with the Fairports earlier this year, here is a new Carthy-Swarbrick album that is every bit as good as their earlier work.

They stick to the old formula, with Carthy singing and playing robust acoustic guitar, and Swarbrick switching between thoughtful accompaniment and rousing solos. Best of all are the fiddle tunes, which serve as a reminder that Dave Swarbrick is also an inspired writer. Welcome back. –Review of ‘Straws in the Wind’ by Robin Denselow