RNZ: New Horizons

"When it comes to soul-searching, she's the mistress of an emotionally savvy scalpel." William Dart reviews Aimee Mann's new album Mental Illness.

William Dart samples new releases with the twang of country in their veins… Reb Fountain, Hopetoun Brown and Grawlixes. There's also an overdue tribute to Donna Dean.

William Dart enjoys a new interplanetary sonic adventure devised by Bryce Dessner, James McAlister, Nico Muhly and Sufjan Stevens, titled "Planetarium"

William Dart listens to three recent NZ releases – all with a certain gentleness of spirit – from Miles Calder and the Rumours, Matthew Smith and The Nukes.

The time has come for William Dart to assuage his guilt for past omissions. He gathers together tracks that failed to make New Horizons playlists in the first half of 2017.

William Dart looks first at Cover Stories, an album of songs by Brandi Carlile as performed by a number of high-profile musicians to benefit War Child, the NGO that provides assistance to children in conflict areas; then on to a tribute to guitarist/composer Bruce Langhorne, "Mr Tambourine Man" himself, who died in April.

Bluesman Robert Cray has released a new album, Robert Cray and Hi Rhythm - his 23rd. William Dart takes a listen after a whip through a small handful of the previous 22.

William Dart spins a few of his favourite tracks of a cappella heaven, including Dudley Benson, Steeleye Span, The Persuasions, The Soil, and others.

William Dart reviews Big Machine, the new album from British folk singer Eliza Carthy with her big band of musicians, The Wayward Band.

The artist once known under the pseudonym John Wesley Harding (taken from a Bob Dylan album) has recently reverted to his real name Wesley Stace. His most recent album is called Wesley Stace's John Wesley Harding. William Dart is a fan either way.