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Hannah James’ Spring Tour 2016

Following last year’s hugely successful debut tour, Hannah James is taking her one-woman show on the road in 2016. Much more than a concert, Jig Doll uses innovative stage techniques and technology to create a totally fresh context for traditional dance. Each performance sees Hannah build music with voice, loops and live instruments. Her own dynamic rhythms are the focal point: a specially-built dance platform incorporating various textures and surfaces turn her feet into percussion instruments. Finally, she brings the individual elements together as she dances and sings to the music she’s created.

Jig Doll is inspired by the life of the travelling player: sometimes exotic, sometimes frightening, it’s a world where home changes daily, and the only touchstones are the skills you carry with you and the people you meet on the way. It tells ancient stories and new ones, all distilled through Hannah’s compelling performance. Funded by Arts Council England and Help Musicians UK, the show was previewed by commissioning partner Shrewsbury Festival in August 2015 to a standing ovation and rave reviews (“moved seamlessly from atmospheric to exuberant”; “an amazing performance”; “a brave and innovative piece of work”). It receives a second preview at Hartlepool Folk Festival on 18 October before a full tour in November 2015.

Hannah James has emerged as one of the most imaginative and adventurous artists on the folk scene. First coming to national attention as accordion player and singer with the band Kerfuffle, she was in an acclaimed duo with Bellowhead’s Sam Sweeney, is a member of female vocal harmony trio Lady Maisery, and has worked with folk legend Maddy Prior in the trio 3 for Joy.

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In recent years, Hannah has been one of the key figures in the revival of interest in English percussive dance. She was featured in the Demon Barber Road Show, whose production of Time Gentlemen Please showcased her extraordinary dance and choreography skills. Inspired by Music Hall clog dance masters, Hannah’s work is characterised by a strong sense of theatre and showmanship, with an edgy, sparkling energy.

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For further information see www.jigdoll.co.uk

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