Join James Hill & Anne Janelle at The Carleton on Sunday, December 22nd for an evening of re-imagined carols and original winter songs. The duo’s award-winning blend of voices, ukulele and cello makes “the perfect evening of tunes, stories and musical virtuosity” (Wellington Dominion-Post). On this special evening, they will be accompanied by brass quintet, along with friends and kindred spirits, The Bombadils. Show time is 7 PM and tickets are $25 + HST.
James Hill ― “possibly the best ukulele player in the world” ― and Anne Janelle ― “a cellist of real beauty” ― didn’t start off with much in common but their musical differences turned out to be their greatest asset. James’ high instrument paired well with Anne’s low one; James’ folk sensibilities brushed up against Anne’s classical bent in surprising ways. Over the past decade plus, they have been pioneering an intricate duo sound that combines their voices, the ukulele and the cello; their synergy brings together disparate elements that is far more than the sum of its parts.
The duo turned heads with their debut album True Love, Don’t Weep, which garnered James and Anne a CFMA for Best Traditional Album of the Year. Since its release, James and Anne have toured in over 15 countries, making their mark not only as accomplished instrumentalists but also as some of the best songwriters of their generation. Every show is “the perfect evening of tunes, stories and musical virtuosity. ” (Wellington Dominion-Post)
The Bombadils, awarded Vocal Group of the Year by the Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2024, offer stirring lyrics with intertwining string-band arrangements, and tinges of bluegrass. Canadian arts journalist Bob Mersereau calls it “folk tunes done with musical adventure and sophistication” and Elmore Magazine, “an enchanting folk romp.” Other recent accolades include Rising Star Recording of the Year at the 2024 East Coast Music Awards, and Americana/Bluegrass Recording of the Year at the 2023 Music Nova Scotia Awards.
Making their home in the foggy port city of Halifax, Canada, the band features folk darlings Sarah Frank and Luke Fraser, accompanied by guests from their extended musical community. Tour highlights include Koerner Hall in Toronto, Tivoli Gardens in Denmark, and Wintergrass festival outside Seattle.
Their recent release, Dear Friend, comes after having moved to Atlantic Canada and launching straight into the rush of new parenthood, a new city, and a global pandemic. The 11-song album was recorded between lockdowns and daycare pick-ups, and it is a series of love letters of a certain kind—to family and friends, strangers and neighbours, cities and landscapes, and to each other.