Posted by Louise Parmakis 24 July 2010
Lady Maisery is a new project combining the brilliant vocal talents of Hannah James (Kerfuffle, The Demon Baber Roadshow), Hazel Askew (The Askew Sisters) and Rowan Rheingans (Fidola).
After spending some time in Northern Europe (Hannah spent six months at the Silabus Academy in Helsinki and Rowan spent a year in Sweden), they learnt that there was a strong tune singing tradition and it inspired them to investigate the English tune singing tradition. Thus the spark for creating Lady Maisery was lit.
Taking their inspiration from both the Folk Traditions of the UK and Northern Europe, they are one of the first groups to drive forward the revival of diddling or singing tunes that has all but died out in the UK.
In their singing of songs and ballads (both unaccompanied and with backing from their combined musical talent on accordion, harp and fiddle) they create rich harmonies and sumptuous clashes, and are sure to become firm favourites on the Folk Club circuit in the not too distant future.
Although they only have a few dates booked over the summer (and will be playing much more next year), Lady Maisery can be found at Whitby Folk Week on 23-25 August 2010.
See all of Bright Young Folk's text interviews.