Sometimes it’s hard to recapture the old magic, especially after a 17-year gap, but when Bryony reformed three years ago, it was as though they’d never been apart. When they first got together in York in 1981 they rapidly gained a reputation for close harmony singing and for using particularly the Appalachian and hammer dulcimers which became their trademark. They were, and still are, the only female all-dulcimer band.
After six years on the folk circuit during which time they produced two albums, Part-Time Job and Last of the Great Whales, they headed in different directions – Ailsa ending up in north west Scotland, Alison in Lancashire and Cathy ensconced in Surrey.
Alison, responding to being constantly asked for CD versions of the albums, contacted the others about a possible re-launch of Last of the Great Whales. They travelled to her home in Lancashire and, despite so much time apart, the old magic returned immediately. There was only one thought – let’s carry on. The result three years later is Bryony – So Far. A new album of traditional and contemporary songs, and they’ve added the Scottish harp and recorders to the dulcimers. Voices have mellowed, keys have dropped, but the sound is still unmistakeably Bryony.
