About Simplefolk
Simplefolk is Mandy Breeze and Doug Kelly stepping into medieval and early folk clothes – sometimes literally – to sing stories that have been travelling for hundreds of years. Their sets lean into English, Irish and Scottish ballads, modal hymn tunes and dance tunes that sit just on the edge of the familiar. Voices, dulcimer, guitar and small percussion keep the sound intimate and acoustic, like a fireside concert that just happens to be happening on a festival stage. Simplefolk is as comfortable in a church as in a heritage hall or folk club, always aiming to keep the old songs alive without turning them into museum pieces.
Simplefolk – Core Repertoire
The Simplefolk core repertoire gathers the songs that turn up at almost every concert – ballads, hymns and story songs that have proved they can hold a room. Many are traditional, some are drawn from hymnals and some are rearranged for Mandy’s voice and Doug’s strings, but they’re all treated as living material rather than antiques. This set is a good first stop for presenters and listeners who want to know what a Simplefolk night will actually feel like.