Folk: typically one of these minimalist genres that is attractive to many because a) it offers the promise of a musicians life, without b) a lot of budget and talent is needed. This is not the case with James Yorkston. It was true love for the genre, and nothing else, that made him turn his attention to folk. He certainly doesn't lack talent - just listen to When The Haar Rolls In, his fourth and most recent album, which is a work of intimate beauty. We already knew Yorkston was a real storyteller in his songs and on stage but recently he has started writing down his stories as well.

• Yorkston is part of the Loops programme at Crossing Border. For Loops Yorkston wrote ‘Perfect Button Drumming': a colourful report of life on the road.

• www.jamesyorkston.co.uk
• MySpace
• ‘For me, listening to James Yorkston's music is like coming across the interesting-looking person on the fringes of a party. Before you know it, you've spent the evening listening to their compelling tale. In this record, I get a real sense that he has found his true voice. There's a quiet confidence in his craft; his singing, the words and instrumentation, all blend seamlessly to produce a really affecting record.' - Philip Selway, Radiohead