Mei Simones, with an American and Japanese background, gives us a true melting pot of music, some sweet and lovely, others bizarre and different, but always interesting.

I have been a fan of Jay-Jay Johanson for years, his mix of challenging trip-hop rhythms and soulful vocals is so unique and different that the music always catches my ear.

Basia Bulat is another artist I have followed for years. Her new album is the loveliest and most thorough ever. There are few, if any, weak tracks on the album. Her distinct voice stands out, with interesting lyrics to catching songs.

As with Basia Bulat, Adam Douglas has matured with every album. He is a soul and blues vocalist in a class of his own, and this time he has given us a varied collection of songs pushing his ability to compose to another level.

There are so many terrific new albums this month! Adam Melchor wrote when he released this album: “This is for the friends I lost who stay forever in me. This is for the friends I found who told me to keep pushing. This is for the hopeful kid who grew up in New Jersey. These are the 10 most vulnerable and heartfelt songs I have ever written…” This says it all.

Suzanne Vega ought to be famous for more than «Tom’s Diner» and «Luka». She keeps releasing decent albums, and her new one also comes with a more political edge that suits her.

Flyte offers spacious indie-music of the best kind, full of great harmonies and soothing melodies.

Martina DaSilva & Alex Goodman have played together for a decade, but this is their first collection together, of soft jazz-inspired covers. A lot of sadness and longing, but great interpreations of a marvellous catalogue.

Renny Jackson is an ideal example of what this blog is all about, finding great new music hidden away and escaping the algorithms of the streamers. This lovely folk-inspired album is a joy to listen to. Jackson has put music to lovely poems by poets like Yeats and Lord Byron.

The dreamlike, polished pop of Columbian-American vocalist Kali Uchis, may not be to everyone’s taste. But this velvety production comes with my recommendation, sensual and rich for a lazy summer’s day.

Scottish folk singer Ally Kerr’s sugary, understated music also takes something to get used to. It is pretty and well produced and should not be taken in in gulps. But you may not have time every day for a tree-hugging walk. This is a nice replacement.

In 1976, Cliff Richard’s career would probably have slowly fizzled out if it hadn’t been for his collaboration with Bruce Welch, who helped him to a new sound, found perfect songs for a new album, and revitalized his career. I couldn’t believe it was the same artist behind «Summer Holiday» and other sweet 60s hits and the one appearing on «I’m Nearly Famous» This is still a great album from a terrific pop vocalist

In 1965 the world was ravaged by «Sound of Music» fever. The movie filled cinemas everywhere, and the soundtrack album broke all records all over the world. And deservedly so. What a movie! And the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein is unsurpassed. I suggest you listen to the album again. The music consoled a whole generation in the middle of the cold war. We need the sweetness and warmth as much today.