Hannah James and Toby Kuhn met in Summer 2018 at Floating Castle festival in Slovenia and it was clear that these two musicians shared a common approach to music-making and a real artistic chemistry.

Award-winning folk musician, dancer and composer Hannah James is complemented perfectly by the virtuoso cello of Toby Kuhn. Known for her work with Lady Maisery, Maddy Prior, Sam Sweeney, Seasick Steve and Songs of Separation (with Eliza Carthy and Karine Polwart and more), Hannah is one of the key figures in the modern UK folk scene. Rooted in the English Tradition but enriched by her collaborations all over Europe, her charismatic blend of accordion, vocal and clog dancing forged an instant artistic chemistry with impressive French cellist Toby Kuhn.

Toby is a crossover musician with a taste for improvisation and folk music of all persuasions. Always on the lookout for new ways to play his instrument, his unorthodox approach has won admiration and acclaim wherever he goes. He regularly tours Europe and the world, bringing with him the full potential of the cello on a journey across style and invention.

Together, their music is soulful, original and conversational. The combination of accordion and cello allows for a huge palette of sounds and textures which lift James’s pure voice and deeply honest songwriting. In the next breath they switch to choppy rhythms and joyful interplay between cello and percussive dance. This duo deliver a diverse, playful and hugely original performance. Their debut album, Sleeping Spirals, was released to considerable acclaim.

Support will be provided by Seb Stone, a singer of traditional songs, whistler and uilleann piper.

ABOUT THE GIG

This hybrid gig is being livestreamed in partnership between Downend Folk & Roots and Live to Your Living Room. You can go along to the gig in person at Christ Church Downend, near Bristol, or watch online from wherever you are.

Tickets to watch online are available from the Live to Your Living Room website -
https://livetoyourlivingroom.com/events/hannah-james-toby-kuhn-2024/

Tickets to go along in person are available from the Downend Folk & Roots website -
https://downendfolkandroots.com/index.php/whats-on