The Askew Sisters

The Askew Sisters, a youthful pair whose folk performances have earned wide favor among devotees of the tradition, consist of siblings Emily and Hazel, both born in London, England. Their parents’ involvement in Morris dancing introduced the girls to the music during childhood, and although each pursued formal musical studies at school, their commitment stayed fixed on the folk repertoire. By their early teens Emily had taken up the fiddle while Hazel concentrated on the melodeon; the sisters soon began supporting Morris sides and other folk groups, gaining notice through Rubber Chicken, the ensemble they helped establish. Festival appearances across the UK followed, among them Sidmouth FolkWeek and Cheltenham Folk Festival, and the duo reached the semi-finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards. Hazel, three years younger and the more forceful singer, delivers a singular vocal approach that is complemented by Emily’s accomplished fiddling. After issuing the 2006 EP Six By Two on WildGoose Records, they completed a full-length album the following year.