I RECENTLY mentioned in this column that I’d just released a new CD, and that Vin Garbutt had also just brought out his first new album for some time. It’s only fair that I should mention new albums by other local artists, now that Christmas is looming up ahead of us.

First off the blocks this week are brand new offerings from Teeside songwriter Pete Davies, entitled “Long way Home”, Tyneside singer Pete Wood with a collection of traditional songs called “Young Edwin”, a CD and DVD combination from Northumbrian band Ribbon Road called “No Redemption Songs”, and the latest from Kathryn Tickell and her band The Side. There’s not room for full details here, but all of these albums come highly recommended and are available through the usual outlets, as well as the artists’ own websites.

There’s always the chance that you can hear tracks from these albums via the local folk radio programmes, hosted by Rebekah Findlay at Bishop FM on Monday night, Liz Franklin at Radio Teesdale on Tuesday and Kathryn herself at Amazing Radio, also on Monday.

Live music across the region this week includes a rare visit north for Eddie Walker and Frank Porter to the Lowlights Tavern in South Shields tonight, songwriter Richard Grainger heading a star-studded bill at Middlesbrough Town Hall tomorrow and guitarist and renowned guitar builder Terry Docherty at South Shields Customs House on Sunday.

Newcastle’s Bridge on Monday has another in their regular series of concerts highlighting “The Stars of Tomorrow” from the Newcastle Folk degree Course. Elsewhere there’s the usual array of singers nights and singarounds, and even some early Christmas parties, where local talent get the chance to strut their stuff. There’s still the chance for you to let me know about your own event, by contacting me at jez@jezlowe.com