My favourite, by some distance, was series 1. I felt that the mix of singers and musicians, was outstanding with John Martyn adding some English edge. Emmylou promised Aly that she would return but sadly didn't do so.

Although there have been some great performances in Series 4, notably from Alison Moorer I felt that maybe the whole thing has become a tad too cosy. I would have ditched the drummer in the nearest loch. Nonetheless it remains one of the best programmes on the box.

I beg to differ with the previous poster - I would have no hesitation in calling Russ Barenberg world class.