Mercury Prize 2012 countdown: 12-9 For fans of The Bad Plus, Portico Quartet, Acoustic Ladyland William Hill odds? Lianne La Havas Is Your Love Big Enough? Warner Bros Who? Talented multi-instrumentalist and soul singer from south London who's been lurking on the peripheries of the music scene - singing backing vocals for her pal Paloma Faith and so on - shunted via Later... with Jools Holland into the limelight. And the music? Those who think British soul has become too electronic and lost contact with its gospel roots will welcome La Havas" debut which, while modern, boasts folk touches and thoughtful lyricism. Corinne Bailey Rae , Jill Scott Sam Lee Ground of its Own (Nest Collective) A former Ray Mears-style expert in wilderness survival, as well as a burlesque dancer, Lee turned his hand to folk music and, in the process, became the most obscure, intriguing personality on the Mercurys shortlist. Taking his cue from his mentor, the late Scottish folk singer Stanley Robertson, Lee's style is devoutly traditional yet the use of curious instrumentation, encouraged by folk veteran producer John Wood, takes things in new directions. Seth Lakeman, Mumford & Sons Follow our coverage of Thursday's Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2012 every day this week at Telegraph.co.uk/music