Acclaimed folk trio head for Barnard Castle

FOLK musician Hannah James has developed quite an affinity for Barnard Castle this year.

She brought her one-woman music and dance show Jigdoll to The Witham in the spring and next week, she will be back as one third of the acclaimed folk group Lady Maisery.

A third visit to the venue beckons in December for the recording of a live performance of Jigdoll for release on DVD.

“It’s a fantastic place,” she said. “I was there in the spring with my show – that was the first time at the venue – and I really liked their attitude to supporting the arts.”

Ms James, along with the other members of Lady Maisery, Hazel Askew and Rowan Rheingans, promise an eclectic evening’s entertainment when they visit The Witham as part of a tour that is taking them the length and breadth of the country.

The vocal trio are all accomplished musicians, Ms James on accordion and foot percussion – the legacy of her days as a young dancer – Mrs Askew playing harp and concertina and Ms Rheingans brandishing banjo and fiddle.

For the curious, Ms James explains that foot percussion is much more intricate than simply a foot stomp.

All three members of Lady Maisery are respected performers in their own right.

Ms James, for example, plays in folk legend Maddy Prior's trio 3 for Joy. Ms Rheingans is half of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning duo The Rheingans Sisters, while Ms Askew has composed music for films, among other things.

In the seven years since they came together as a trio, they have produced three albums, the latest of which, Cycle, was released last year.

“We play mostly music inspired by the English and European tradition,” said Ms James.

“The whole thing is centred on harmony singing.”

Ms James said that in addition to performing songs from their back catalogue, they would also include those they were involved in with the award-winning Songs of Separation project.

This brought female folk musicians from Scotland and England together to reflect on the issue of separation through traditional song.

As well as attracting a following of traditional folk fans, the trio’s inclusion of political and feminist issues in their songs also appeals to a younger audience.

Lady Maisery will play at The Witham on Friday, November 10. Tickets are £15 and £13 for U16s, and an optional supper club is available.

For details, contact the box office on 01833 631107.