Kevin Bryan delivers his verdict on some of this week's CD releases Vetiver,"Up On High" (Loose)- "Up On High" is the subtly compelling brainchild of Californian singer-songwriter Andy Cabic, drawing its inspiration from such impeccable sources as Steely Dan, Paul Simon and veteran Brazilian samba specialist Jorge Ben to name but a few. Cabic's seventh album is a laidback and introspective throwback to the golden era of Laurel Canyon soft-rock almost half a century ago, with "Filigree," "Swaying" and "To Who Knows Where" emerging as the cream of a beguiling crop.

Steeleye Span,"Live at De Montfort Hall,Leicester" (The Store For Music)- Folk rock pioneeers Steeleye Span have been plying their trade both live and on record for more than half a century now, and this interesting archive offering focusses attention on a concert recording from the late seventies incarnation of the band, when guitarist Martin Carthy and accordion ace John Kirkpatrick had stepped in to attempt to fill the gaping void left by the untimely departures of Peter Knight and Bob Johnson. The results were nothing if not eclectic, with a selection of rustic dance tunes sitting snugly alongside perennial crowd pleasers such as "Cam Ye O'er Frae France" and covers of everything from Bertolt Brecht's "The Black Freighter" to Buddy Holly's infectious "Rave On."

David Keenan,"A Beginners Guide To Bravery" (Rubyworks)- The debut album from Dundalk born singer-songwriter was recorded in the space of a week in a largely successful attempt to capture the warm spontaneity of a live performance, and if I come across a more impressive opener during the rest of 2020 I for one will be pleasantly suprised. Having been exposed to the collected works of Leonard Cohen,Tim Buckley and Nick Cave by a benevolent uncle during his former years Keenan has developed a passionate and poetic approach to his art which informs stunning stand-out tracks such as "James Dean," "Unholy Ghosts" and "Tin Pan Alley."