Quick plays: JUNIPER, ADY JOHNSON, ADAM BEATTIE

June 27th, 2026 by jason

JUNIPER Halfway Home [Release date 14.05.26]

Juniper are a six piece folk band hailing from Birmingham consisting of Dominic O’Sullivan (whistles, clarinet, flute), Emily Hicks (flute), Anna Vaughan (violin), Harry Thorpe (vocals, guitars), Adam Hammond (drums) and Rob Roberts (bass). The album was produced by Cormac Byrne, who has worked with The Haar, Seth Lakeman Band and more.

Juniper are very impressive musically as the opening instrumental ‘The Wren’ demonstrates perfectly. All six band members playing combines well, be it the steady bass and drums rhythm, or the intoxicating mix of whistles, flutes and violin. Mind you, vocally Juniper are no slouches as they perform and sing ‘Step It Out Mary’ with gusto. The High Kings and the Dubliners have both recorded versions of this song before.

‘Tall Buildings’ is as topical now as it was when it was first written by John Hartford back in the 1970′s, taking a critique at the pathway expected in life from youthful joy to the daily grind of urban work and living. To counteract perhaps the melancholy the listener may feel after that song, the lively instrumental title track soon puts a spring in your step! As indeed does ‘Hare & House’, where the whistle and flute playing is superb, with added guitar touches adding that extra bit of musical magic.

Juniper are one of many talented folk bands currently recording and touring, and what sets them apart is the sheer musicality and joy the listener gets from listening to this album. ****

ADY JOHNSON Under Gainsborough Skies [Release date 26.05.26]

This is the third album by Suffolk born, Colchester based singer songwriter Ady Johnson.

Ady is an artist who successfully mines into the classic singer songwriter and guitar player genre. Think of the likes of Simon & Garfunkel (‘Wash Away, blow Away’ where Scott Matthews adds backing harmonies) and John Martyn (the wonderful ‘My Honeydew’). Elsewhere, ‘Swing By’ is a perfect song for a lazy summer’s day, whilst the instrumental ‘Little B’ shows what a dextrous player Ady is.

One for those times you need to unwind and get into good music. ***1/2

ADAM BEATTIE Home Fires Burning [Release date 17.07.26]

Scottish folk musician Adam Beattie has been recording and gigging since 2003, including supporting Bert Jansch as he first started out on his musical path.

On this album Adam is joined by various guests including Fiona Bevan whose songs have been recorded by artists including Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, Kylie Minogue, and that staple of GRTR! Radio, One Direction ;-)

Lyrically a very personal album as Adam relates the tale of a young lad leaving his home in Aberdeenshire to pursue a career in music, the trials and tribulations of this time in his life, and returning to his home town with the realisation that his parents show their age and frailty. Something we can all relate to as, especially when younger, you assume your parents will always be there and never age anymore (as they seemed old already when you were young!). With that in mind, the title track and ‘The Hall Light On’ are emotionally charged songs and beautifully sung. Adam Beattie has soothing vocal, aided by the gentle backing vocals of Fiona Bevan.

‘To All the Boys’ looks at male mental health, and on ‘Big Bad World’ he takes aim at the machismo of most world leaders today.

Songs with heart and meaning, and little wonder Adam Beattie is held in such high regard by his musical peers and fans alike. ***1/2

Reviews by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 7 June 2026.

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Power Plays w/c 22 June 2026

DELANEY FAULDS – Beautiful Again (indie)
ANY GIVEN SIN Until We Disappear (Mascot Records)
JADE ELEPHANT Anymore (indie)
DIAMOND RAIN Naked City (Pride & Joy Music)
DAEDRIC Sand Tiger (FiXT)
PARKER BARROW Nothin’ Left To Save (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 22 June 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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