The Wilderness Yet combines the acclaimed talents of folksinger Rosie Hodgson, traditional fiddler Rowan Piggott, and guitarist-flautist Philippe Barnes. Independently, they have earned audiences’ esteem as consummate musicians; together, they weave an eclectic tapestry of traditional and original songs and tunes; from a cappella three-part harmonies to luscious instrumental arrangements. Their eponymous debut album was released in 2020 to critical acclaim, closely followed by a short EP of commissioned covers called John O Dreams. Lockdown saw them record a winter album / show called Turn The Year Round, featuring secular re-writes of classic carols and carefully arranged seasonal favourites. Their new studio album, What Holds The World Together, was released on 21st July 2022.
Rowan Piggott
A traditional musician who grew up in the foothills of the Burren on the west coast of Ireland, Rowan is a fine singer with a “deep understanding and feel for tradition” (FolkWords) and is known for his Songhive Project. A workshop leader, serial tunebook author, and the winner of the ‘Future of Young Folk Award’ at Bromyard Folk Festival, he featured on the cover of The Living Tradition after releasing his solo album Mountscribe.
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Rosie Hodgson
With a voice that brings “a ruby-richness to lyrics new and old" (Folk Radio UK), it’s no surprise that Rosie has been a finalist for the BBC Young Folk Award. After a successful EP and the eponymous album from Crossharbour, she recorded her debut album Rise Aurora to critical acclaim, producing what fRoots called “audible magic”. Rosie’s own songs are heavily influenced by the English tradition and her love of literature and the environment.
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Philippe Barnes
Philippe is well-known on the folk scene as a virtuosic flautist, but is an equally magnificent guitarist! Since completing an MA in Irish Music Performance at University of Limerick, Philippe has toured with the David Munnelly Band, All Jigged Out, Dizraeli and the Small Gods and Crossharbour (alongside Rosie!). As a session musician he appears regularly on film/tv soundtracks and has recently recorded an EP with pianist Tom Phelan.
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From the great whales of the deep to the old oaks of the land, the future of the natural world is now inextricably bound to that of mankind and many of the songs chosen or crafted here explore the relationship between humanity and nature. All three musicians are clearly steeped in traditional music, but also have unique creative voices, with original tracks written by each of them. An album with which to explore the world’s stories, seasons, and sorrows – in a time of disconnection from each other and our environment, this collection won’t fall on deaf ears.