James Taylor, like Jackson Browne, seems to have survived in a state of permanent youth since his heyday in the higher echelons of the early 70s singer-songwriter movement. His voice is as mellow and warm as ever, his under-rated guitar playing still fluid and flexible, and his gentle songs have stood the test of time well. One Man Band is a CD and DVD of a series of live concerts, in a kind of VH1 Storyteller style - stories and jokes about the songs, with those songs stripped to essentials. From the off, with Something In The Way She Moves, through old classics, such as Sweet Baby James, Fire and Rain and You've Got A Friend, via newer material such as Mean Old Man, there is the feel of a master at work. The de facto Greatest Hits format suits the material and the lovely baritone delivery wonderfully - this is real comfort music, laid back and undemanding. Every collection deserves a James Taylor album, and if the idea of digging out a 70s CD doesn't do it for you, One Man Band would make a fantastic introduction to his work.

ACE rating 8/10

Alvin Lee is one of the most famous British blues guitarists, catapulted to prominence when his band Ten Years After was captured on film in the Woodstock documentary. Alongside guitar heroes like Clapton, Page, and Peter Green, there was a belief that Alvin Lee relied a lot on flash and speed, however his grit and bluesy feel have continued to become more sophisticated over time. With over 20 albums on the shelves, Lee's output has diminished in his 50s and 60s, and it is over 10 years since his last original studio recording. Saguitar is a collection of odds and ends of ideas, largely recorded in his home studio, with few guests. Like many such albums, there is a feeling that the words are simply there to put some room between the solos. With Lee's voice sounding like a growly Mark Knopfler, and his guitar sounding sharp, this is pretty accessible British blues rock. There are missteps - it's hard to hear Rapper, where Lee does actually attempt to rap - but the variety of styles keeps the album interesting: there is some rockabilly, some jazz, some Dire Straits rock and a lot of great (and unpretentious) guitar playing. It's clear that stepping beyond Ten Years After allows welcome room for movement.

ACE rating 7/10

Time spent as a junior doctor (with band mate Paul Galpin) led to Jim Muir writing songs, and this debut album follows 3 EPs which have sold well around Sheffield. Hopefully Muir is a good A&E doctor now, as it's hard to take his songs seriously - studenty lyrics and what sound like rip-offs of Travis melodies produce a rather odd mix. Having achieved some attention with single This Is London two years ago, it is featured again here, and is the best thing on the album - slightly Pulp-y and inoffensive. It is hard to make it past the lyrics, however, with their earnestness and overbearing sentimentality recalling Ricky Gervais in The Office, and seemingly aimed at making you understand, you know, just how tough it is to be a doctor with a heart. The instrumentation is variable - oddly tinkly electronica and some strummed guitar. It is clear that Muir is aiming at a Cocker/ Morrissey depth and sideways glance, but on this evidence, there's nothing to suggest a career in the making.

ACE rating 5/10