Scottish duo The Jellyman’s Daughter lands squarely in the middle of an intriguing crossroads between bluegrass, post-rock, folk and soul. Mixing their unique vocal harmonies with wild and visceral cello, driving guitar and sweet mandolin, Emily and Graham write their songs together with a focus on doing something new.
After making each other’s acquaintance in Edinburgh in 2011, the pair soon found a love for playing music with each other, staying up into the wee hours making home recordings. The duo’s debut album, released in late 2014, established The Jellyman’s Daughter as something fresh and exciting. Reviewers unanimously remarked upon the originality in Emily and Graham’s songwriting and arrangements, while they enjoyed the sweet closeness of their vocal harmonies, as well as Graham’s unconventional cello playing. The Sunday Herald (Scotland) made it one of their Top Albums of The Year, noting that “Graham can make his instrument as percussive as a drum, as grounded as a bass or as sweet as a fiddle… when Kelly and Coe sing together, their harmonies squeeze the heart.”
They started 2015 as they meant to go on, winning even more praise following bigger-exposure live performances, including a nomination for Best Acoustic Act in the Scottish Alternative Music Awards, and spreading their wings much further afield, spending a month touring Germany, The Netherlands and Denmark. After a successful appearance at Folk Alliance International in Kansas City early in the year, Emily and Graham spent 2016 gigging extensively, including a tour of Canada in September, while they returned to Folk Alliance in February 2017 with an official showcase.
The Jellyman’s Daughter have now finished their second album, ‘Dead Reckoning’, a marked step forward in maturity, depth and scope while retaining the affinity that is the foundation of the duo’s sound. The new album takes its title from a navigational term that, when applied to the human spirit, is analogous to navigating our way through life, and how we progress (or otherwise). This theme permeates the 10 songs on the new record in different ways, ranging from the overwhelming sense of bleakness imbued by many world events in recent years to more personal experiences of steering a course through relationships and journeys both physical and emotional. Featuring prominently is banjo player Jamie Francis (of Radio 2 Folk Award nominees Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys) and double bassist Paul Gilbody (KT Tunstall, Adam Holmes & The Embers) while Toby Shaer (Cara Dillon, John McCusker) provides fiddle on two songs. Graham himself wrote the arrangements for the 16-piece string orchestra, while Edinburgh-based composer Luci Holland conducted the ensemble during recording.
In 2018 the Emily and Graham released the album and toured extensively across the UK, Europe, USA and Canada, also releasing the album on vinyl. 2019 has already seen further touring in the USA, and The Jellyman’s Daughter are looking forward to continuing to share their music with new fans and old across the world.
https://www.thejellymansdaughter.com/
Fans of folk and Americana will be entranced by their music and gorgeous singing… spine- tingling ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
– Daily Express
A stunning blend of acoustic instruments, sublime vocal harmonies and heartfelt songs ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
– Northern Sky (Album of the Month)
Song-writing of the highest order… Exquisite vocals and harmonies, and dynamic and expressive cello playing
– The Fountain
One of my favourite records of the year” “Beautifully recorded… So many great moments on the record… Just lovely
– Ricky Ross, BBC Radio Scotland
Two of Australia’s most celebrated songwriters, Sara Tindley and Ash Bell, come together to form a timeless folk/roots collaboration born of tough love and deep humanity. Having worked closely but independently for several years, the duo recently joined forces to co-write and release their debut EP Going Out Clothes, a collection of songs which explore a new territory whilst maintaining their unique, individual familiarity, marking an exciting new chapter in the pairs’ musical journey.
Sara Tindley has come to the duo straight from the release of her fourth album, produced by Nick Didia (Bruce Springsteen, Powderfinger, Pearl Jam). Their collaboration germinated twelve wry, insightful tracks narrating the turbulent life Tindley had endured since her last album, Time (2011). Produced by Chris Parkinson of Adelaide outfit The Yearlings, Time radiated the quiet beauty engendered through Sara’s friendship and musical partnership with the band.
Previously, Sara has teamed up with country music luminary Bill Chambers to produce Lucky The Sun (2006) and has had songs from her first album 5 Days placed on the TV series East of Everything and Bondi Rescue.
Bandmate Ash Bell is the former frontman and songwriter for contemporary Australiana outfit Starboard Cannons. The longtime festival festivals have two highly acclaimed studio albums to their name, with The Valiant and The Brave being produced by engineer/co-producer Jordan Power (Angus Stone, Xavier Rudd, Kasey Chambers), and featuring a superstar cast of guest musicians including Ash Grunwald, Jason Caspen (The Remains), and Grant Gerathy (John Butler Trio). Ash’s classy, unselfconscious songwriting is akin to the Irish-influenced Australian folk that gave us everything from Banjo Patterson to the Bushwackers.
http://saratindley.com/ash-and-sara
Bell has a way of painting portraits that are genuine and familiar, you believe every word he breathes is out of personal experience – both his and ours
– Martin Jones, RHYTHMS
Lyrically, Tindley shows shades of Paul Kelly & Tim Rogers while sticking to a Lucinda Williams-esque sound that’s about as sweet as anything that’s come out of the country for quite some time… compulsory listening for all supporters of Australian roots music
– Dan Condon, TIME OFF
Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival, 25 – 27 October 2019
In 2002, after living in Dorrigo for 2 years, Jack Sommers of The Sommers Family Band recognised that the township needed a music festival. With the enormous help of a small dedicated team, Jack’s vision emerged as The Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, its genesis August 30th-September 1st 2002 at the Dorrigo Showgrounds, NSW, Australia.…
Mallanganee, 30 October 2019
Whether you’re exploring Australia with a loved one; bundled up in a van with a bunch of backpackers; travelling between work destinations; heading back to Mallanganee to visit family and friends; or looking to kick up your heels in your local hall, be sure to swing into the Mallanganee Memorial Hall on 30 October. Join…
Pampas, 31 October 2019
Pump the brakes and pull into Pampas on 31 October. There’s a special something going down at the Memorial Hall. Whether you’re in the middle of an epic road trip or live locally, come along and join us for a night of music, country town spirit and friends old and new. {{ vc_btn: title=TICKETS&color=sky&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fsmallhalls.iwannaticket.com.au%252Fevent%252Ffestival-of-small-halls-spring-tour-2019-dorrigo-to-queenscliff-MTkyNTg%7C%7C%7C }}…
Texas, 1 Nov 2019
Boots aren’t just made for walkin’, they’re also good for foot-tappin’ to fine tunes so, if you’re in the Goondiwindi parts, join us in the Texas Memorial Hall on 1 November for a night of music, community spirit and storytelling. {{ vc_btn: title=Tickets&color=sky&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fsmallhalls.iwannaticket.com.au%252Fevent%252Ffestival-of-small-halls-spring-tour-2019-dorrigo-to-queenscliff-MTkyNTg%7C%7C%7C }} Tickets are also available locally at the Texas Library. Doors open…
Roma, 2 November 2019
Come the evening of 2 November, Roma’s Wool Hall at Basset Park shall be filled with songs from near and far. Whether you hail from near or are coming from afar, be sure to swing in for a night of music, storytelling and community spirit. Refuel the tank and fill up your heart while you’re…
Jackson, 3 November 2019
Whether you live locally or have been scooting around Australia in your trusty – or perhaps rusty – steed, be sure to pop into the Jackson Hall on 3 November for what’s all set to be a beautiful night of music, stories from the outback and good company. {{ vc_btn: title=Tickets&color=sky&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fsmallhalls.iwannaticket.com.au%252Fevent%252Ffestival-of-small-halls-spring-tour-2019-dorrigo-to-queenscliff-MTkyNTg%7C%7C%7C }} BBQ dinner available…
Theodore, 6 November 2019
Road-trippers, caravaners, locals and neighbours of Theodore, head down to the RSL Hall on 6 November and you’ll be treated to a night of music, wonderful company and community spirit. {{ vc_btn: title=TICKETS&color=sky&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fsmallhalls.iwannaticket.com.au%252Fevent%252Ffestival-of-small-halls-spring-tour-2019-dorrigo-to-queenscliff-MTkyNTg%7C%7C%7C }} Tickets are also available locally at the Theodore Home and Garden Centre. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start –…
Clermont, 7 November 2019
VENUE CHANGE: This performance will now take place at the All Saints Anglican Church Hall, 52 Daintree St, Clermont QLD Clermont’s hall was built in 1961. The small town has a large number of buildings with great architecture and stories to go with them. Look for the country wave as you drive around. The town…
Rolleston, 8 November 2019
Roll on into Rolleston on the 8th November and you’ll find the locals gathered at the Rolleston Memorial Hall for a night of music, catch-ups and celebration. Everyone’s invited so, if you’re travelling around these parts, be sure to join in the festivities. {{ vc_btn: title=TICKETS&color=sky&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fsmallhalls.iwannaticket.com.au%252Fevent%252Ffestival-of-small-halls-spring-tour-2019-dorrigo-to-queenscliff-MTkyNTg%7C%7C%7C }} Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start…
Muttaburra, 9 November 2019
To anyone cruising around in the centre of Queensland, be sure to swing into Muttaburra on the 9 November. Shake off that red dust, don your dancin’ shoes and head down to the RSL Hall for a wonderful night of music and community gathering. {{ vc_btn: title=TICKETS&color=sky&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fsmallhalls.iwannaticket.com.au%252Fevent%252Ffestival-of-small-halls-spring-tour-2019-dorrigo-to-queenscliff-MTkyNTg%7C%7C%7C }} Tickets are also available locally at the…
Julia Creek, 10 November 2019
Road-trippers, backpackers and locals alike, get on down to the McKinlay Shire Civic Centre on 10 November. Whether you’re passing through, a proud resident or neighbour of Julia Creek, this is all set to be a fun-filled night of music, mates and merrymaking. Finger food will be available, and drinks will be provided by the…
Hughenden, 13 November 2019
Hughenden locals, gather your friends and round-up the family; there’s something special going down at the Parish Hall on 13 November. Travellers seasoned and new, pull into Hughenden, rest your eyes and treat your ears to a night of music. New friends and lifelong memories await! {{ vc_btn: title=TICKETS&color=sky&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fsmallhalls.iwannaticket.com.au%252Fevent%252Ffestival-of-small-halls-spring-tour-2019-dorrigo-to-queenscliff-MTkyNTg%7C%7C%7C }} Doors open at 6:30pm for…
Charters Towers, 14 November 2019
To all those vagabonds out there, chart a course for Charters Towers and stop into the St Paul’s Playhouse on 14 November. Join the lovely locals and neighbouring folk for a night of music, storytelling and meeting new mates. Supporting on the evening is local Billie Rose. Hailing from the regional town of Charters Towers…
Oak Park, 15 November 2019
Giddy-up, backpackers, caravaners, locals and neighbours of Oak Park – get on down to the dance hall at Oak Park Station on 15 November for a fun-filled night of music, mates and merrymaking. Catch up with friends and family; swap travelling tips; share stories of life on the road. {{ vc_btn: title=TICKETS&color=sky&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fsmallhalls.iwannaticket.com.au%252Fevent%252Ffestival-of-small-halls-spring-tour-2019-dorrigo-to-queenscliff-MTkyNTg%7C%7C%7C }} Festival of…
Georgetown, 16 November 2019
Out on the road? Curious about Georgetown? Swing in on the 16 November and spend the day taking in the local sights. Come sundown, join locals, neighbouring folk and fellow travellers at the Etheridge Shire Hall for a fun-filled night of music, mates and merrymaking. New friends and lifelong memories await! {{ vc_btn: title=TICKETS&color=sky&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fsmallhalls.iwannaticket.com.au%252Fevent%252Ffestival-of-small-halls-spring-tour-2019-dorrigo-to-queenscliff-MTkyNTg%7C%7C%7C }}…
Dimbulah, 17 November 2019
Rumour on the streets of Dimbulah is there’s something special going down at the hall so, on the 17 November, come one, come all. Whether you’re passing through, live locally or hail from a neighbouring town, join us at the Dimbulah Hall for a night of music, mates and merrymaking. {{ vc_btn: title=TICKETS&color=sky&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fsmallhalls.iwannaticket.com.au%252Fevent%252Ffestival-of-small-halls-spring-tour-2019-dorrigo-to-queenscliff-MTkyNTg%7C%7C%7C }} Festival…
Queenscliff Music Festival, 22 – 24 November 2019
QMF Inc. came to life through a series of public forums held in 1996 that established community support for the dream… for Queenscliff to host a great music festival. 23 years on, the vision is now a reality with QMF recognised as one of Tourism Victoria’s honoured Hall of Fame inductees as well as nominated…
MEDIA RESOURCES
Festival of Small Halls Announces Spring Tour 2019
Festival of Small Halls has announced that The Jellyman’s Daughter (SCO) together with Ash Bell and Sara Tindley (AUS) will feature on the upcoming Spring Tour 2019: Dorrigo to Queenscliff.
Presented in partnership with major Australian festivals Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival and Queenscliff Music Festival, the Spring Tour 2019 will kick off in the rolling hills of Dorrigo, NSW, cross the sunburnt outback of western Queensland and conclude on the sunny Victorian peninsula of Queenscliff.
For full release, click to download
ARTISTS BIOGRAPHIES
The Jellyman’s Daughter (SCO)
Scottish duo The Jellyman’s Daughter lands squarely in the middle of an intriguing crossroads between bluegrass, post-rock, folk and soul. Mixing their unique vocal harmonies with wild and visceral cello, driving guitar and sweet mandolin, Emily and Graham write their songs together with a focus on doing something new.
For full biography, social media links and press quotes, click here
Ash Bell and Sara Tindley (AUS)
Two of Australia’s most celebrated songwriters, Sara Tindley and Ash Bell come together to form a timeless folk/roots collaboration born of tough love and deep humanity. Having worked closely but independently for several years, the duo recently joined forces to co-write and release their debut EP “Going Out Clothes”; a collection of songs which explores new territory whilst maintaining their unique, individual familiarity, marking an exciting new chapter in the pairs’ musical journey.
For full biography, social media links and press quotes, click here
MEDIA KIT
Click here to download the Media Kit
Festival of Small Halls – Spring Tour 2019 is funded under the Year of Outback Tourism Events program during the Year of Outback Tourism 2019
The Festival of Small Halls Spring Tour 2019 is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.