Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston, Carperby Village Hall

AFTER spending most of the summer recording their eagerly-awaited third album – The Watchmaker's Wife – Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston have undertaken a run of UK tour dates this month, which finish at Carperby Village Hall, which showcase tracks from the new album, due for release in the spring of 2016, along with performing material from their back catalogue.

In the space of just a few years, Miranda and Rex have emerged to become one of the most sought-after duos on the English folk/roots scene. The striking combination of the flame headed double bass player and virtuoso mandolin player create music that fRoots magazine sums up perfectly: "A musical partnership made in heaven. Scintillating, sensitive and brilliant."

Well known for the past 11 years as a central component of Show of Hands, Miranda has an exquisite and spine-tingling voice, while Rex, with his exuberant and flamboyant playing style, has built a reputation as one of the best mandolin players in the UK. The rare fusion of double bass and mandolin makes an act to look out for on the acoustic roots scene. Miranda and Rex interweave timeless, covers with one or two Preston originals. Their backgrounds, as well as skilful instrumentation and engaging vocals have helped to shape a unique sound.

* Saturday, September 26, Carperby Village Hall, Carperby, North Yorkshire, DL8 4DF. 8pm start. Tickets: £12 from 01969-663808.

Viv Hardwick