The latest reviews from Kevin Bryan.

Loretta Lynn, "Full Circle" (Legacy Recordings)- This legendary country performer may be well into her eighties now but her passion for music-making remains undimmed on the evidence presented by "Full Circle," her first album of new recordings since 2004's acclaimed "Van Lear Rose." The contents serve up  traditional Appalachian songs from Loretta's childhood such as "Black Jack David" and "I Will Never Marry"  alongside some  rousingly re-vamped gems from her illustrious back catalogue  and vocal collaborations with Willie Nelson and Elvis Costello on "Lay Me Down" and "Everything It Takes" respectively. Splendid stuff.

"Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here Symphonic" (Decca Classics)-  Pink Floyd's unique prog rock sound hasn't  inspired  too many cover versions over the years, but this skilfully conceived re-imagining of one of ther finest creations  from the London Orion Orchestra adds a new symphonic dimension to the band's classic 1975 offering. Arranger Peter Scholes also  enlisted the services of guitarists  Dave Fowler and Stephen McElroy from tribute band the Australian Pink Floyd Show  alongside keyboardist  Rick Wakeman and rock icon Alice Cooper to lend a little added  credibility to the proceedings, with the latter  supplying  vocals on "Welcome To The Machine" and an unadorned "Wish You Were Here" itself.

Burl Ives, "The Wayfaring Stranger" (Retrospective)- This amiable anthology focusses attention on the cream of Burl Ives'  musical output, drawing on recordings from the late forties and early fifties with the notable exception of the closing track, Ives' 1961 hit, "A Little Bitty Tear."  The singer and actor's genteel brand of easy on the ear folk was apparently  all the rage in those far-off days , and newcomers to his oddly affecting  brand  of acoustic balladry  would be well advised to lend an ear to choice ditties such as "The Riddle Song," "Darlin' Cory" or the atmospheric  "Ghost Riders In The Sky."

Tasha Taylor, "Honey For The Biscuit" (Ruf Records)- Tasha is the daughter of Stax soul legend Johnnie Taylor of "Who's Makin'  Love " fame, and her third solo album serves up a veritable feast of slinkily seductive rhythm, blues and soul for your listening pleasure.  The singer, songwriter and musician  goes about her business with style, grace and genuine passion  as the gifted Texan and her commendably tight backing band  deliver prime cuts such as "Wedding Bells" and "Family Tree" before joining forces with Ruf Records stablemate Samantha Fish for  "Leave That Dog Alone."