Hilary James

Hilary James "elegant singing" (Daily Telegraph) has received much acclaim: quintessentially English but easily crossing the great musical divides from British ballads to blues and Berlioz.

She's famed too for an unlikely taste in bass instruments (she could turn up with her giant mandobass or slimline, semi-acoustic double bass), accompanying Simon on guitar on anything from Vivaldi to bluegrass and even managing a step-dance if the wind is in the right direction.


Concerts at The Museum of English Rural Life

Hilary James hosts a series of folk music concerts, workshops and illustrated talks at The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) in Reading. The series starts on 3rd March 2009. Read more...


Laudamus Te - Vivaldi Gloria in D for 2 sopranos
Hilary James & Janet Giraudo

available as MP3 download only

The Two Sisters - Hilary James and Janet Giraudo - with accompaniment by Simon Mayor in a specially commissioned arrangement for mandolin family instruments (mandolin, mandola, mandocello)

After spending 30 years and almost 1000 miles apart in England and the south of France, the two sisters from Staffordshire, Hilary James and Janet Giraudo, discovered a talent for singing together. This track, recorded in England in August 2008 is a taste of a first album scheduled for release in 2009. The sisters sing in a wide range of styles from classical to folk and swing, including some French and English traditional songs.


Concerts with The Mandolinquents at New Greenham Arts

The Mandolinquents (Hilary James, Simon Mayor, Richard Collins & Gerald Garcia) host regular concerts at New Greenham Arts, near Newbury with top guests from the fields of world and classical music, These informal, fun packed nights are usually well-supported, so book early!

Mandolinquents website  
New Greenham Arts website

 

"One of Britain's finest voices" 
BBC Radio 4

"Hilary's bitter-sweet voice lends these melancholy blues a wonderfully dreamy, honey-dripping beauty. Lush."
Rock 'n' Reel

"Songs were never sung as exquisitely."
Folk Roots

"A voice like an angel" 
Folk North West

"As a singer of folk songs, Hilary James has no peer" 
Rock 'n' Reel


Hilary James' paintings
can be found at HilaryJames.com


Latest Albums
 
Burning Sun

buy now

Read more...

Newly remixed, remastered and reissued - Hilary's debut album is a magical and atmospheric blend of folk songs and originals with haunting words and melodies, and stunning arrangements by Simon Mayor.
  
Laughing With The Moon
buy now

Read more...
Hilary James' latest studio album is a mixture of traditional and original songs and tunes, including a Playford dance, Carolan's Concerto, heart-rending traditional ballads and lively reels.
   

   


 


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