"Hilary James is an established and extremely accomplished musician and artist, playing a whole range of acoustic and electric instruments but notable are her performances on assorted bass instruments. She has also had her own label since 1979 and she has released a total of 22 albums. Simon Mayor is an equally established musician and he is every bit as competent, he represents the leading light in mandolin playing in Britain.

As a partnership, Hilary James and Simon Mayor have been playing and recording together since the mid Seventies.Their partnership produces fantastic works of acoustic folk music with a traditional English feel but drawing its individuality from their blending of folk with ballads, blues and classical music, for example, that of Berlioz and Handel.

Lullabies With Mandolins is a brand new release by Hilary and Simon. It is the latest of their releases for children (they have also released a whole series for children under the title Musical Mystery Tour). Featuring 13 tracks, it is a collection of traditional and classical songs and melodies that can be grouped together as lullabies. The selection includes: Lavenders Blue, All the Pretty Little Horses, Golden Slumbers, Griegs Cradle Song and Hush a bye baby. These gentle relaxing bedtime songs will be equally enjoyed by children and parents alike, as well as by fans of this terrific partnership.

Laughing with the Moon is the latest studio album released by Hilary and Simon and is a wondrous collection of traditional and original songs and instrumentals. These include The Dream a great opening track that fully displays this pairings ability on their chosen musical instruments, The Reel Thing which is a modern slant on a lively Reel, Newcastle, Fireflies and Shenandoah.This album features a whole host of virtuoso musicians: Frank Kilkelly on guitar, Phil Fentimen on guitar and double bass, Alan Whetton on Soprano saxophone and Simon Price on Drums. Laughing with the Moon is as enjoyable to sit and let wash over you as it is an education is musicians everywhere. It is a hugely enjoyable experience and grows more so after every listen."

Hilary James & Simon Mayor
c/o Acoustics Records
PO Box 350, Reading RG6 7DQ, England
+44 (0)118 926 8615
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