Daphne's Flight

The 1995 Cambridge Folk Festival served as the debut showcase for the short-lived UK folk ensemble Daphne’s Flight, whose star-studded roster ensured strong audience interest from the outset. Christine Collister, Melanie Harrold, Julie Matthews, Helen Watson and Chris While formed the quintet, prompting press descriptions of the five as the ‘very cream of British women singers’—an assessment borne out by their performances. A headline concert at London’s Union Chapel followed that December. In January 1996 the members traveled to the Isle Of Man for a ten-day recording session for their debut album, a schedule compressed by their individual commitments. Construction teams completed the studio overnight as the group developed original songs and honed the delicious harmonies that formed their signature sound. Favorable reviews appeared across the roots and folk press, leading to an 18-date headline tour of England in May and June 1996.