"After devoting 30 years to winning belated respect for the mandolin, Simon Mayor is established as the instrument's most eloquent champion. The delightful singing and instrumental contributions of Hilary James have done his campaign no harm, helping the couple to refine a confident, attractive sound.

Of these New Year offerings, Laughing With the Moon is the one for grown-ups. Mayor and James have chosen their material well. Instantly appealing traditional songs, notably 'The Shearing's Not For You', a neglected folk club standard of the early 1970s, and a sparkling version of 'Carolan's Concerto', among the best-known of the 18th-century blind harpist's charming little pieces, mix effectively with newer works.

Lullabies With Mandolins is naturally aimed at children – young, pre-Playstation children at that – and is pleasing enough to serve a worthy purpose, capturing the attention of fractious little people on long car journeys without causing too much irritation to the adults up front."

Colin Randall