Stokesley Songfest- Howay the Lasses

‘Howay The Lasses’ are a vibrant new collaborative that celebrate the lives of notable women heroes of the North East of England through original songs and arrangements. Singer and accordionist Annie Ball, father and daughter singer-songwriter combination Gareth and Bronwen Davies-Jones, and cellist Katie Tertell began working together during the lockdown of 2021. The result is an engaging and original canon of material in tribute to the lives of historical characters such as engineer Rachel Parsons and mathematician Janet Taylor as well as contemporary figures like artist Sheila Graber and even the Newcastle United Women’s Football team. Based in and around Newcastle Upon Tyne/Northumberland ‘Howay The Lasses’ have set out to share through original song how these characters have inspired and shaped the region and the wider world. Their music weaves together a rich tapestry of traditional sounds and musical landscapes with each musician bringing their unique style and creative background to surround and elevate the accomplishments and adventures of these special women. “...a moving paean to the lives of women from the North-East of England, from the fêted to the altogether more obscure.. ear-catching three-part vocal harmonies.. an uplifting foot-tapping delight.”Songlines Magazine (4 Stars) “..this is an enjoyable album to listen to telling the stories of women who otherwise may behidden from history. With great vocals and instrumentals and intended as a first volume, we can eagerly look forward to the second.”The Morning Star