BLACK DOG RADIO

INTARSIA is an emerging duo of performers from diverse backgrounds. Jo May and Sarah Matthews have worked together since 2018, combining voice, violin, viola, octave fiddle, tenor guitar, balafon and a whole range of other percussion instruments. The sounds of these wooden instruments blend to create intricate delivery of original and traditional material inspired by English songs, European dance tunes, West African rhythms and more. Intarsia’s debut album ‘Sistere’ was released in October 2020.

“Bright and breezy, optimistic sounds from Derbyshire duo, Sarah Matthews and Jo May: viola, violin and vocals from Sarah, plus Jo’s cornucopia of percussion.” Paul Mansfield – Living Tradition Magazine – March 2021 


 
MEL BIGGS is a morris dancer, musician, and highly-renowned melodeon tutor, Mel is a familiar face on the UK folk scene.

In her professional career, Mel has risen from the EFDSS Aspire program with Andy Cutting to perform with Moirai with Jo Freya (Narthen, Blowzabella, Token Women) and Sarah Matthews (Sweet Visitor Band, Intarsia), and Boxtet (with Owen Woods, Ollie King and Matt Quinn).
 
Mel has been involved in several recurrent Arts Council England funded projects. These include Jo Freya’s Komposit Young Composers (with Annie Whitehead, Judith Weir CBE and Chris Woods), and cross-cultural theatre shows such as Priya Sundar’s Morris:Natyam, and Kate Flatt and Adriano Adewale’s The Oss & The Ox.
 
She has performed on some of the biggest UK festival stages including Sidmouth, Musicport, Shrewsbury, Dartmoor, Whitby Folk Week, Broadstairs, and street theatre festivals Imagine Watford and Out There Arts.

Mel released her debut album ‘From Darkness Comes Light’ on 1st October 2021.


“ 'From Darkness Comes Light' takes the listener on a wondrous, magical journey.
Mel's music is fresh, contemporary and melodious, rooted in tradition yet looking far beyond.

A wonderfully skilled and sparkling debut.”
Annie Whitehead (The Penguin Café Orchestra)