Just a quick note to let readers know that Big Ears, having turned 30, will now go into a period of temporary retirement.

Very simply, its existence relies on having things to eavesdrop over, and while the folk scene gears up for the summer festivals period, many musicians find themselves concentrating purely on that rather than recording and releasing new material.

We hope to revive the column in autumn, once everyone returns to the studio.

All the best, and thanks for reading so far.