Daughters of Albion Press Release 2008

Daughters of Albion, is an impressive multi-artist concert featuring solo and combined performances from June Tabor, Norma Waterson, Kathryn Williams, Lou Rhodes, Bishi and Lisa Knapp, all backed by a 10 piece band.

Focusing on the rich and compelling voices of English women, and following on from sell-out concerts at Cork Opera House (2005) and the Barbican in 2006 (as part of BBC Folk Britannia), these next series of concerts will take place at Birmingham Symphony Hall (27th April) and at The Dome, as part of Brighton Festival (13th May).

Daughters of Albion brings together a diverse range of some of England's finest female folk artists and contemporary singer-songwriters, across two different generations. Connected by a strong sense of place and a singularity of voice, these 'Daughters of Albion' sing songs of common experience, shot through with a deliciously dark thread which switches seamlessly from humour to melancholy.

The evening features a highly imaginative set-list that puts ancient English folk ballads next to trip-hop, pop songs alongside songs of war and songs by some of England's most impressive singers/songwriters, including PJ Harvey, Lal Waterson, Kirsty MacColl, Sandy Denny and Kate Bush.

The shifts of singer and era are supported by a dazzling 10 piece house band (including Martin Carthy, Neil McColl, Huw Warren and musical director, Kate St John).

'Daughters of Albion' is a Free Will Production.

For media enquiries please contact :

Harriet Simms - 07958 539951 / glassceilingpr@btconnect.com
or
Miles Evans - 07812 985993 / miles@blacksand.info

The Guardian

"Reclaiming the term Albion back from the Libertines - whose concept of a mythical England was as much a male preserve as a Boys Own adventure - the
matriarchs of folk and accoustic song old and new have joined together to investigate their magical past " 4/5 stars

The Observer

"..under the banner of 'Daughters of Albion', we were taken from lovers' beds to haunted moors and murderous riverbanks, from the 17th century to the 21st.It was an exhilarating journey. '.4/5 stars
The Evening Standard

"The jewel in the crown. All of the individual performances were outstanding and spellbinding. It was an extraordinary tale of exceptional folk". 5/5 stars