Folk duo in Winchelsea

They will play live at the Church of St Thomas The Martyr in Winchelsea on Friday April 29 from 7pm.

The new album, although not a parable of their personal lives, is most certainly a reflective, powerful and moving collection of tales of love and loss; some traditional and delivered in a way that maintains the dignity of the old songs; some original and with very modern arrangements; some are covers; all with a vibrant, immediate and edgy feel.

The pair didn’t set out to create an album with love and loss as a theme, but in the thick of it all, when they just sat back and let out what came naturally, that’s what they got.

Rex for the first time showcases original songs alongside original material from Boo Hewerdine.

Miranda and Rex are as dazzling as ever on their respective instruments – double bass and mandolin plus bouzouki.

The duo has kept things as honest and stripped-back as they dare to reflect their live performances. There are no guests, no four-part harmonies, no grand multi-tracked opuses, no bells and definitely no whistles.

The songs shout very loudly for themselves with only a smattering of sharp and contemporary production gloss.

Well known for the last 11 years as a central component of Show of Hands, Miranda has an exquisite and spine-tingling voice, whilst Rex, with his exuberant and flamboyant playing style, has built a reputation as one of the finest mandolin players in the UK.

The rare fusion of double bass and mandolin makes for one of the most exciting and powerful pairings on the acoustic roots scene.

Miranda and Rex interweave lively original material with timeless, well chosen covers of both contemporary and traditional songs. Their backgrounds, as well as skilful instrumentation and warm engaging vocals have shaped their unique sound.

In the space of just a few years, Miranda and Rex have emerged to become one of the most sought after duos on the English folk/roots scene.

The striking combination of the flame-headed double bass player and virtuoso mandolin player create music that Roots magazine described as: “A musical partnership made in heaven. Scintillating, sensitive and brilliant” while Acoustic magazine said the pair is “pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with just a double bass and mandolin.”

Tickets cost £11 from 01797 224446 or www.wegottickets.com/event/355081

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