Melrose Quartet are joined by Askew Sisters at HOME as part of Manchester Folk Festival 2018.
Melrose Quartet are truly an all-round folk act, with both tight a cappella harmony and energy-packed instrumentals. They comprise leading English musicians Nancy Kerr (2015 BBC Folk Singer of the Year), James Fagan, Jess and Richard Arrowsmith with twin fiddles, guitar and bouzouki, melodeon and four strong voices. From deep roots in their hometown’s vibrant music, song and dance scene, to smashing concert appearances in the UK and abroad, Sheffield-based Melrose Quartet have attracted a reputation for making music that truly connects with people.
Support from: Askew Sisters
Emily and Hazel Askew are fast becoming one of the most popular and respected duos on the English folk scene. From dark ballads to uplifting dance tunes, they play with driving energy and the unity of two people who have played together all their lives. The sisters use fiddle, melodeon and concertina to breathtaking effect, creating cinematic arrangements that get to the very heart of each song. These create a perfect setting for Hazel’s striking voice, which won her Best Female Singer at the Spiral Earth Awards 2011. Emily and Hazel’s latest album, In the Air or the Earth, was released by RootBeat Records, to widespread critical acclaim, including the Spiral Earth Award for Best Traditional Album 2015.
This event is part of Manchester Folk Festival – an urban folk festival. It takes place over 18-21 October 2018, in an around HOME and the city centre. Over the autumn weekend, they present an exhilarating range of events, with the spotlight on English folk.
