18 months of personal upheaval – the death of a mother; enforced acquisition of a childhood home; time spent in, then out, then back into hospital – sees Jon Duncan in a reflective mood.

Recorded mostly live, his new album Fledglings is a heartfelt collection of spare, bittersweet melodies clothed in his characteristic ukulele stylings, wrapped up in a voice that is worn, intimate, warm, confidential, as Duncan meditates on themes of love and of loss, of mortality and the hope of renewal.

Joined by the USA’s Kevin Griffin (electrics/harmonies) and Singapore’s Sia Joo Hiang (vocals/ukulele), the album also features covers of Grand Salvo, Joni Mitchell and an aching version of ‘Birds and Ships’ from the Mermaid Ave sessions.