FOLK/roots duo Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston are coming visiting Under the Edge Arts this January, touring their new album ‘The Watchmaker’s Wife’, which is due for release in February 2016.

The album, although not a parable of their personal lives, is most certainly a reflective, powerful and moving collection of tales of love and loss; some traditional and delivered in a way that maintains the dignity of the old songs; some original and with very modern arrangements; some are covers; all with a vibrant, immediate and edgy feel. The pair didn't set out to create an album with love and loss as a theme, but in the thick of it all, when they just sat back and let out what came naturally, that's what they got.

Rex for the first time showcases original songs alongside original material from Boo Hewerdine.

Miranda and Rex are as dazzling as ever on their respective instruments – double bass and mandolin/bouzouki. The duo has kept things as honest as they dare to reflect their live performances. There are no guests; no four-part harmonies; no grand multi-tracked opuses; no bells and definitely no whistles. The songs shout very loudly for them-selves with only a smattering of sharp and contemporary production gloss.

Well known for the last 11 years as a central component of Show of Hands, Miranda has an exquisite and spine-tingling voice, whilst Rex, with his exuberant and flamboyant playing style, has built a reputation as one of the finest mandolin players in the UK.

Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston Playing are playing at the Chipping Hall, Wotton-under-Edge, on Saturday, January 23 (8pm start). Tickets £12/£11 conc. Please call 07791 323869 or visit www.utea.org.uk for details.