Description
Emily and Hazel Askew have become known as two of the foremost performers and interpreters of traditional music from England. Their live performances brim with the depth and connection not only of two sisters, but also of two musicians who have been immersed in folk music all their lives.
Together, they rework and reinterpret songs and balladry, creating breath-taking arrangements, which allow words that are hundreds of years old to resonate profoundly with contemporary audiences. Alongside this, both women are also skilled multi-instrumentalists and expert players of dance music, using fiddles, melodeons, concertina and cello in their innate drive to bring old dance music to life.
In 2019, the duo returned to the studio with a fresh vision. After months deep in rehearsal, reconstructing and re-exploring their sound, unearthing old songs, as well as composing and creating new music, their fourth album Enclosure emerged, which was released to widespread critical acclaim.
“Gifted multi-instrumentalists, singers and writers” – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2
**** “The Askew Sisters have released some of the most striking folk music of recent years” – Songlines
Photo credit: Elly Lucas
