Tamesas

Tamesas (Brythonic Celtic for Thames) are a local group though they come from far and wide… Emmie Ward, Kate Jones and Aimée Leonard hold a wealth of musical experience, from Somerset to Orkney. Tamesas play folk songs and tunes from all over the UK and beyond – they enjoy creating quirky arrangements with strong vocal harmonies and funky rhythms.

Emmie grew up steeped in the folk tradition, she has a rich soulful voice and plays flute and tenor uke. Emmie has worked in special needs for many years enabling students to experience and play folk music, she currently co-leads Folk Unlimited for EFDSS.

Kate has been playing in ceilidh bands since the tender age of 14 after replacing a fiddler in Somerset based ceilidh band The Five-Pronged Pick. Kate’s fiddle playing is deeply influenced by her love of blue grass, Irish and Eastern European folk music. She has recently developed a passion for Welsh fiddle tunes, reflecting her cultural roots. Kate is a music therapist.

Aimée Leonard grew up in Orkney and has been singing folk songs and playing Bodhran since childhood. Aimée recorded several cd’s and toured the world with the band Anam. Aimée teaches up and coming folk singers at Newcastle Uni, leads folk song projects for EFDSS and runs the Dulwich Folk Choir.