An outstanding double bill of sensational US artists and kindred spirits, with fresh and radical takes on old time traditions: Anna & Elizabeth + Eli West.

Having created a huge buzz of excitement with their summer 2016 touring, Anna & Elizabeth is the collaborative project of Elizabeth Laprelle, one of the most sought-after ballad singers of her generation, and Anna Gevalt-Roberts a mesmerizing, talented multi-instrumentalist (fiddle, banjo and guitar) and singer. Both sharing a desire to inspire people with the beautiful soul of Appalachian roots musicwith their captivating mix of ballads, foot-stomping dance tunes, stories and visual art – using beautiful illustrative crankies depicting scenes from their singing and storytelling.

This May sees the first UK solo outing for monstrously talented Seattle-based multi-instrumentalist and singer Eli West, known for his previous UK touring with Cahalen Morrison. Eli oozes understated talent: a sublime musician! His recent debut solo album, The Both, sees him taking the lead, on electric and acoustic guitars, banjo, and pedal steel, whilst remaining a thoughtful collaborator – here with some of his close friends and personal heroes, like jazz great Bill Frisell, new Americana discovery Dori Freeman, and Anna & Elizabeth.

There’s something truly inspiring about this collaboration between 25 year olds from southwest Virginia… and a very special treat for lovers of pure traditional singing and playing, afficionados of the great ballad, and anyone that gets excited witnessing culture carried forward with mastery, love and a profound and real understanding of what makes old material great.’ Sing Out Magazine
‘These young women follow in the footsteps of many of our idols and mentors who’ve gone before, and they do them proud.’ Alice Gerrard
‘They came to NPR and brought many of us to tears with some of the most yearning harmonies I’ve heard at the Tiny Desk. These songs are given few embellishments – sometimes a fiddle is added to a single voice, sometimes a banjo or guitar chimes in – but always the power is in the sparseness. If you’ve never thought your tastes would lean to mountain music, take a deep breath and soak it all in.’ Bob Boilen, NPR Music
‘[Eli is] making music the world needs’ Tim O’Brien
‘West is an artist overflowing with ideas and music’ Green Man Review
‘Eli West is an exceptional singer, guitar player and musician, really deep stuff’ Martin Simpson