Miranda’s rich, spine tingling vocals and strident yet sensitive double bass playing are much in demand and she enjoys working alongside some of the finest musicians in the world.
She is increasingly in demand both as a double bassist and singer and has worked with Pressgang, Robb Johnson, Firebrand, Steafan Hannigan, Leon Rosselson, Bill Jones, Roger Wilson, Alan Burke, Kirsty McGee, Jenny Crook, Reg Meuross and Little Johnny England; and has toured throughout the United Kingdom, North American, Canada and Europe.
Miranda has been performing with Show of Hands since 2004, augmenting their sound with her powerful double bass and rich harmonies. In this time the band have moved on from their folk duo image, and evolved into a hard hitting acoustic band, selling out UK and European tours and headlining some of the biggest festivals across the world.
Miranda has been described as a ‘musical chameleon’ reflecting the way that she so easily slips between musical genres as diverse as folk, jazz and rock/pop. She continues to build a repertoire of contemporary and narrative songs that are showcased to critical acclaim in her most recent, unique collaboration with Rex Preston. The unusual pairing of double bass and mandolin has a timeless feel and universal appeal.
In 2008 Rex moved to Bath to do a music degree. At the same time, banjo player Leo Hunt was putting a band together for a high profile concert alongside Bela Fleck. The Scoville Units were born.
Rex Preston was last seen on the folk and acoustic scene when his band Jane on Thunder reached the final of The BBC Young Folk Awards. Since then he has been building a strong portfolio of electronic music.
In 2009 Rex flew to Winfield in Kansas to take part in The Walnut Valley Mandolin Championships. He came third and won a Weber mandolin for his efforts. The contests at Winfield are held in very high regard in the States, with past mandolin champions including Chris Thile and Matt Flinner.
This duo’s eagerly awaited debut album is a beautiful collection of 12 tracks released October 2011.
You can read more about Miranda and Rex here.
Tickets £10 in advance, available from Folk at the Unicorn Box Office, WeGotTickets, Skiddle and Remade Guitars, Coxeter House, Abingdon.
Acoustic set. Doors open at 7:30pm. Music from 8pm - 10pm with interval.
Wednesday 25th January 2012
