Various Artists - Six Strings North of the Border

This collection samples 15 Canadian acoustic guitarists, showcasing not just Borealis' own roster but casting the net wider to include such well-known names as Bruce Cockburn, Stephen Fearing and Bob Evans. Doing exactly what it says on the label, there are stellar performances from Gordie Sampson ('The Black Jigs') and Don Ross. ('Hands') In fact the playing is terrific throughout, engaging and glistening picking with nary a vocal in earshot. Here's a truly mesmerising stream of sound that doesn't stop once for breath.

Tracks: Gordie Sampson - The Black Jigs, Eve Goldberg - Watermelon Sorbet, Bruce Cockburn - Foxglove, Jason Fowler - Si Beag, Si Mhor, Ken Hamm & Doug Cox - Dave Macon Rag/Strawberry Creek, Rick Whitelaw - Bottom Dollar, Jean Hewson - Scotty MacMillan's Gmino Jig, Thomas Handy Trio - Spring, Stephen Fearing - Martin's, Don Ross - 3 Hands, Rick Fielding - Hesitation Rag, David Essig - Berkley Springs, JP Cormier - The Mathematician, Bob Evans - That Infernal Optimist, Dave Clarke - Katherine.