Hannah James' JigDoll Ensemble

Hannah James has been an unmatched force of innovation in British folk for nearly two decades. A multi-faceted performer, James’ virtuosic talent spans all her four disciplines: singer, accordionist, composer and clog dancer. She has amassed an international touring career, multiple award nominations, and credits in some of Britain’s most respected folk projects, including Lady Maisery and Songs of Separation.

In 2015, James introduced her one-woman show, JigDoll. This innovative debut reinvented the notion of solo performance by combining all James’ disciplines simultaneously for an immersive, unforgettable song and dance experience. Utilising cutting-edge looping technology with vocal, accordion and composition skill, a multi-layered soundscape was woven onstage, providing the backdrop for James’ spellbinding fusion of traditional and wholly original dance.

Now, the JigDoll Ensemble sees James enhanced by three masters of their instrument: percussionist András Des (Hungary), fiddle player Kate Young (Scotland), and bassist Marti Tarn (Estonia) perfectly articulate James’ visionary ideas for song, tune and dance. The resulting live masterpiece debuted at 2017’s English Folk Expo, gaining an awestruck standing ovation from distinguished folk industry professionals from around the globe. The JigDoll Ensemble is set to stun audiences when it tours in 2018.