One of the few proponents of contemporary folk who gives a fierce relevance to what he sings, Scotsman Dick Gaughan (right) has worked solo since the late 1970s (following stints in the acclaimed Boys Of The Lough and the electric-folk band Five Hand Reel). Retaining a vocal style that is firmly rooted in Scottish and Irish traditional singing (as well as a flatpicking guitar technique that is both idiosyncratic and skilful) there is little that is sweet about Gaughan's voice. He is undertaking a short Irish tour, taking in Dublin's Whelans next Tuesday; Belfast's Errigal Inn on Thursday; Ti Chulainn Centre, Mullaghbawn next Saturday; Galway's Roisin Dubh on February 7th and back to Whelans again on February 8th.