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Emily Andrews (flutes) and David Massey (guitars) reach down into their tangled musical roots to create their own unique instrumental arrangements of folk songs from the British Isles. These familiar tunes grow and evolve, combining improvisation and memory, with beautiful instrumental technique from their classical training. Balancing meticulously crafted harmonies and countermelodies with spontaneous improvisations, this album truly spans the folk and classical genres, appealing to a wide range of music lovers.
Praise for Andrews Massey Duo: “a lovely, fresh surprise. The arrangements are very musical, the playing is wonderful …” – Anthony Kershaw, Audiophilia.com “beautifully atmospheric … wonderfully authentic” – Rosamund Woodroffe, Bright Young Folk |
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Andrews Massey Duo Explore Their Musical Roots
Listen to the album here
Today, Andrews Massey Duo announce the upcoming release of “From The Roots… New Branches”. Their latest album is a carefully-selected feast of familiar British folk songs, chosen for their lyrical melodies, and performed as instrumentals by flautist Emily Andrews, and guitarist David Massey. It is set for release on April 11th 2025.
Classically-trained at the Royal Academy of Music, Emily and David both had parents who sang folk songs to them from a young age, a major influence in their tangled musical roots which inspired the new album’s name.
“From The Roots… New Branches” strikes a balance between the meticulously crafted and spontaneous. By combining their instrumental virtuosity with the freedom and creativity they feel when playing these tunes, and allowing their memory and imagination to lead the way, they’ve created evocative and intimate arrangements that wordlessly reflect the meanings behind the songs.
By including familiar favourites with lesser known melodies, spanning both the classical and folk genres, and presenting traditionally vocal folk tunes in purely instrumental form, “From The Roots… New Branches” brings this music to a wider audience.
David and Emily are available for interview - contact [email protected] for more information or visit andrewsmasseyduo.com
CD review copies are available by request in addition to the digital version
Download the press release and additional images here
Full Track Listing:
1. Dribbles of Brandy (2:54)
2. Skye Boat Song (3.41)
3. Cam Ye O'er Frae France (2.44)
4. Dance to Your Daddy (1.54)
5. A Red, Red Rose (2.31)
6. Molly Malone (3.00)
7. Loch Lomond (3.13)
8. Bold Grenadier (3.14)
9. Early One Morning (2.21)
10. Wayfaring Stranger (5.11)
11. Caller Herrin' (5.04)
12. Drunken Sailor/Wellerman (2.31)
13. Blow the Wind Southerly (3.04)
From the roots… new branches is available to pre-order here, priced £12 plus P&P
Listen to the album here
Today, Andrews Massey Duo announce the upcoming release of “From The Roots… New Branches”. Their latest album is a carefully-selected feast of familiar British folk songs, chosen for their lyrical melodies, and performed as instrumentals by flautist Emily Andrews, and guitarist David Massey. It is set for release on April 11th 2025.
- “My dad used to sing me these songs instead of a bedtime story, so they have been part of my musical experience for as long as I can remember. I think many people have a similar experience of learning them long ago from a family member, and so we are connected by this music and the half-forgotten memories it evokes: they too will feel the nostalgia, love and warmth I feel when I play or sing them” said Emily.
Classically-trained at the Royal Academy of Music, Emily and David both had parents who sang folk songs to them from a young age, a major influence in their tangled musical roots which inspired the new album’s name.
“From The Roots… New Branches” strikes a balance between the meticulously crafted and spontaneous. By combining their instrumental virtuosity with the freedom and creativity they feel when playing these tunes, and allowing their memory and imagination to lead the way, they’ve created evocative and intimate arrangements that wordlessly reflect the meanings behind the songs.
- David says, “when we explored the songs, the words reveal hidden depths beneath the beautiful melodies, which we took inspiration from. So in Skye Boat Song the rolling waves are echoed in the guitar, and the flute harmonies evoke a sense of loss - Bonnie Prince Charlie was fleeing to Skye following defeat in battle. Then there’s a real satirical bite in the lyrics of Cam ye O’er frae France, mocking the King and politicians, which we captured with spiky banjo solos and the unusual pairing of bass flute and strident piccolo”
By including familiar favourites with lesser known melodies, spanning both the classical and folk genres, and presenting traditionally vocal folk tunes in purely instrumental form, “From The Roots… New Branches” brings this music to a wider audience.
David and Emily are available for interview - contact [email protected] for more information or visit andrewsmasseyduo.com
CD review copies are available by request in addition to the digital version
Download the press release and additional images here
Full Track Listing:
1. Dribbles of Brandy (2:54)
2. Skye Boat Song (3.41)
3. Cam Ye O'er Frae France (2.44)
4. Dance to Your Daddy (1.54)
5. A Red, Red Rose (2.31)
6. Molly Malone (3.00)
7. Loch Lomond (3.13)
8. Bold Grenadier (3.14)
9. Early One Morning (2.21)
10. Wayfaring Stranger (5.11)
11. Caller Herrin' (5.04)
12. Drunken Sailor/Wellerman (2.31)
13. Blow the Wind Southerly (3.04)
From the roots… new branches is available to pre-order here, priced £12 plus P&P
