"Britain's premier duo, especially if it comes to four double-course stringed instruments: Hilary James (vocals, guitar, bass, and mandobass, which is a huge bass-sized mandolin/mandola) and Simon Mayor (mandolin). Hilary sings traditional ballads and some of her own making, Simon delivers instrumental compositions and traditional dance tunes from England and Scotland, and a Carolan air. A marvellous partnership with Hilary's charming vocals and Simon's expert mandolin playing. Personally I like best the beautiful instrumental version of the well-known Jacobite song "Johnny Cope" at rather slow pace.

Both Hilary and Simon have maintained a keen interest in music for children throughout their careers, with over sixty children's songs to their credit. However, "Lullabies with Mandolins" is a bedtime collection of traditional songs and classical tunes for children and for the mums and dads as well. Tunes - "Lavender's Blue" up to "Fais Dodo" - from Britain, France, Germany and the Americas from the 16th century onwards, as well as melodies from Vivaldi, Grieg and Schubert, the latter being piano turned mandolin pieces. Please allow me to cite from "Over the Hills and Far Away" what sums up best that lullabies don't mean sleepy and tiresome: Now Tom did play with such a skill that those nearby could not stand still, and over Ireland they did dance, over England, Spain and France."

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