Laura Cannell recorders, fiddle and crumhorn Adrian Lever guitar, bowed and prepared guitar

Horses Brawl are a groundbreaking early music duo from East Anglia, UK. They present an innovative take on early music, with influences from renaissance, medieval, baroque and folk traditions they re-work, re-compose and explore unconventional techniques.

A masterclass in turning one instrument into many with only two players Horses Brawl play bowed guitar, double barrelled recorders, crumhorn solos and hurdy gurdy violin.

Formed in 2003, Horses Brawl has since performed throughout the UK at festivals and have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, Resonance FM and several US stations. They released their debut album in 2005 to great acclaim and were in the fROOTS Top Ten in March 2006 as well as appearing as editors’ picks in both The Guardian guide and The Independent.

Sample Programme:

The Night Dance: With roots firmly in early and traditional dance music from Europe, Horses Brawl’s The Night Dance takes as its starting point the dance music of medieval and renaissance Europe. With a taste of Vivaldi and Guillaumme de Machaut they bring together a programme where the traditional and the composed, Elizabethan dance music to rustic village tunes sit strikingly well together.

Education:

Experimental Improvisation: Push the boundaries of your instruments, play two recorders at once, take apart your bow and find interesting ways to play the violin or guitar with a spoon (wooden). Try out instrumental techniques you never dared to before. For players of any instrument who can hold a tune and who aren’t afraid of making a noise!

Re-worked and De-arranged: An introduction to making contemporary arrangements of ancient tunes. For players of any instrument who can hold a tune. Horses Brawl lead you through the techniques they use to create their own arrangements.

Spare bows, spoons, recorders provided.

Recordings:

Dindirin Released July 2007on Brawl Records. Includes special guest performer Philip Thorby viol and recorder

Performances:

26 May 07 Beverley and East Riding EMF
22 Jun 07 Norwich Arts Centre
13 Oct 07 BBC Radio 3 The Early Music Show
- Live in Concert
24 Oct 07 Brighton Early Music Festival

Contact:

Laura Cannell, Castell Farm, Beccles Road, Raveningham

Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 2BQ

Tel: 01603 767440 / 07803 962336
Fax: 01508 548406

Email: info@horsesbrawl.co.uk
Website: www.horsesbrawl.co.uk