MIRANDA SYKES & REX PRESTON

July 2013

MIRANDA SYKES rich, spine tingling vocals and strident yet sensitive double bass playing are much in demand and she enjoys working alongside some of the finest musicians in the world.

She is increasingly in demand both as a double bassist and singer and has worked with Pressgang, Robb Johnson, Firebrand, Steafan Hannigan, Leon Rosselson, Bill Jones, Roger Wilson, Alan Burke, Kirsty McGee, Jenny Crook, Reg Meuross and Little Johnny England; and has toured throughout the United Kingdom, North America, Canada and Europe.

Miranda has been performing with Show of Hands since 2004, augmenting their sound with her powerful double bass and rich harmonies. In this time the band have moved on from their folk duo image, and evolved into a hard hitting acoustic band , selling out UK and European tours and headlining some of the biggest festivals across the world. She has been described as a ‘musical chameleon’ reflecting the way that she so easily slips between musical genres as diverse as folk, jazz and rock / pop. She continues to build a repertoire of contemporary and narrative songs that are showcased to critical acclaim in her most recent, unique collaboration with Rex Preston. The unusual pairing of double bass and mandolin, has a timeless feel and universal appeal.

REX PRESTON was last seen on the folk & acoustic scene when his band Jane on Thunder reached the final of The BBC Young Folk Awards. Since then he has been building a strong portfolio of electronic music. In 2009 Rex flew to Winfield in Kansas to take part in The Walnut Valley Mandolin Championships where he came third.