Enjoy sensational seasonal songs and tunes from Yorkshire!
As established solo artists, Bryony & Alice are no strangers to the folk scene. Hailing from West Yorkshire, both are long-time purveyors of English folk music, united by a fascination with local folk song and tune collections inspired by the Yorkshire landscape, language and industry.
As a powerful new duo, they have taken the folk scene by storm. Combining their respect and understanding of tradition with their own contemporary style of performance, they present a unique repertoire of harmony, heritage and Northern banter, featuring fiddle, harmonium, tenor guitar, body percussion and intricate vocals in their distinctive regional accents.
Following the success of their 2022 debut album "A Year Too Late and a Month Too Soon" which earnt the pair 5-star reviews and global airplay, Bryony and Alice realeased ‘Wesselbobs’ in 2023, a collection of old winter songs and tunes sourced from their native county of Yorkshire. This carefully curated compilation of twelve wintery offerings features Bryony and Alice's signature sound of fiddle, harmonium, tenor guitar and body percussion, combined with their beautifully matched vocals and intricate harmonies, and of course, their trademark regional accents.
Together they have unearthed a treasure trove of traditional gems, featuring uniquely local versions of more classic seasonal songs, intuitively arranged to cast a spotlight on the rich traditions, tales and winter rituals they depict.
The album's title "Wesselbobs" refers to a local tradition whereby decorated, evergreen boughs, built around a spherical frame, were carried door to door by Wassailers or carol singers in the 18 and 1900s. Also known as Wessel-bobs, Wassail-bobs or Wesley-bobs, it most notably occurred in the communities of West Yorkshire.
"Straight up, beautiful and bold folk singing" Mark Radcliffe - BBC Radio 2