Carlene Anglim & Ali

Carlene was born into a family steeped in Irish traditional music and she has been playing the fiddle since the age of six. In 1993 she won the BBC 2 Young Tradition Award to add to her ' 92 All Ireland Fiddle Championship, won at the age of sixteen. That year she played at many festivals around the country with Simon Haworth on guitar, whom she also appeared with on the CD ' Evolving Tradition'.

Appearing on several TV shows including Pebble Mill, Woman's Hour, CBC Radio in Canada and RTE in Ireland. Carlene then joined Martin and Aine Furey in their band 'Bohinta' who became a renowned act on the folk scene during ' 95/' 96. The band played over 100 gigs during ' 96.

Carlene moved to Malvern with Bohinta where she met Ali who had just returned after graduating from the Welsh College of Music. In 1991 Ali joined ' Journeymen' a popular folk/rock band in the Midlands who went on to win The Three Counties Battle of the Bands Competion held in Worcester, where he was nominated for the Best Guitarist Award. Originally an electric guitar player Ali was taught by Taf Williams- Rick Wakeman's guitarist from the band ' Yes'. He also studied Jazz and went on to jam with musicians such as Nigel Kennedy. All of these influences have culminated into a very individual guitar style.

Carlene and Ali play extensively at festivals, art centres and theatres around the UK. Previous appearances have included Winnipeg in Canada, Sidmouth, Celtic Connections, Edinburgh Fringe, Cheltenham Fringe, Dranouter Belguim and Presteigne, as well as a prestigious support to Sharon Shannon and Marta Sebestyn.

With exuberant fiddle playing and innovative guitar this duo deliver a dynamic and diverse set, full of musical fire and fun. They have used their Irish roots as a launching pad from which to draw together their variety of influences, from Eastern Europe to the British Isles, from Jazz to Classical, even modern contemporary music has been absorbed into their inspired arrangements.

Creating a unique and exciting repertoire, their music ranges from being sensuous and lyrical to flamboyantly expressive and explosive, resulting in a stirring mix delivered with an air of spontaneity and virtuosity that is well beyond their years.

Look out for that custom made purple fiddle!