Début: The Askew Sisters

New artists, emerging talent, diverse voices and brilliant musicians: Début is our monthly evening devoted to spotlighting some of the best original music across a host of genres encompassing jazz, funk, soul, folk and pop (as well as everything in between). Our art deco basement, known for its brilliant acoustics and intimate atmosphere, is proud to showcase fine talents at affordable ticket prices – perfect for a great night out in the West End.

Emily and Hazel Askew have become known as two of the foremost performers and interpreters of traditional music from England and beyond.

Their live performances brim with the depth and connection not only of two sisters, but also of two musicians who have been immersed in folk music all their lives.

Together, they rework and reinterpret songs and balladry, creating breathtaking arrangements that allow words that are hundreds of years old to resonate profoundly with contemporary audiences.

Alongside this, both women are also skilled multi-instrumentalists and expert players of dance music, using fiddles, melodeons, concertina and cello in their innate drive to bring old dance music to life.

“A powerful new album”
The Independent

“Beautiful, uncanny and subtly political songs”
The Guardian

“Gifted multi-instrumentalists, singers and writers”
Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2

“Expansive, pristine and strikingly modern, whilst remaining true to the tradition”
EDS

“The Askew Sisters have released some of the most striking folk music of recent years****”
Songline

“This mixture of the homegrown and the exotic, the old and the new, is revealing. It helps to explain just why the Askew Sisters are one of the most refreshing and exciting acts in folk music, and why Enclosure is set to be one of the albums of the year”
Folk Radio UK