Miranda Sykes, Rex Preston - The Watchmaker's Wife (2016)

The brand new album from Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston - 'The Watchmaker's Wife' - although not a parable of their personal lives, is most certainly a reflective, powerful and moving collection of tales of love and loss; some traditional and delivered in a way that maintains the dignity of the old songs; some original and with very modern arrangements; some are covers; all with a vibrant, immediate and edgy feel. The pair didn't set out to create an album with love and loss as a theme, but in the thick of it all, when they just sat back and let out what came naturally, that's what they got. Rex for the first time showcases original songs alongside original material from Boo Hewerdine. Miranda and Rex are as dazzling as ever on their respective instruments - double bass and mandolin/bouzouki. The duo has kept things as honest as they dare to reflect their live performances. There are no guests; no four-part harmonies; no grand multi-tracked opuses; no bells and definitely no whistles. The songs shout very loudly for them-selves with only a smattering of sharp and contemporary production gloss. The striking combination of the flame headed double bass player and virtuoso mandolin player create music that fRoots magazine sums up perfectly: "A musical partnership made in heaven. Scintillating, sensitive and brilliant." The duo has a unique connection, which is a pleasure to watch when they share the stage together. Well known for the last 11 years as a central component of Show of Hands, Miranda has an exquisite and spine-tingling voice, whilst Rex, with his exuberant and flamboyant playing style, has built a reputation as one of the finest mandolin players in the UK. The rare fusion of double bass & mandolin makes for one of the most exciting and powerful pairings on the acoustic roots scene. Miranda & Rex interweave lively original material with timeless, well chosen covers of both contemporary and traditional songs. Their backgrounds, as well as skilful instrumentation & warm engaging vocals have shaped their unique sound. This is the beginning of a whole new chapter for the dynamic duo. They will be touring throughout the UK in spring 2016 in support of the Watchmaker's Wife release in February. Do not miss them! In the space of just a few years, Miranda and Rex have emerged to become one of the most sought after duos on the English folk/roots scene. "Pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with just a double bass and mandolin" Acoustic magazine "A winning combination of vocals, mandolin and bass, this album is a treat from start to finish" Iain Anderson BBC Radio Scotland "From the first few notes you know that this is something special." Folking.com "A really fine album" BBC Radio Gloucestershire Johnny Coppin "Miranda's a fantastic bass player but this really brings her great voice out into the foreground." Mike Harding