National champions Brighouse & Rastrick are to undertake a new musical venture in the next few weeks, when theyteam up with Mercury prize nominated Tyneside band The Unthanks.

Peerless

The group have a peerless approach to folk music with a renowned paradoxical journey of staunch traditionalism and sonic adventure.

Set in the awesome surroundings of Durham Cathedral as part of the BRASS 2011 Festival the spectacular alliance will draw on the rich songbook of the coal-mining industry, incorporating brand new pieces alongside new arrangements of traditional and original songs.

Attention

With their debut album of 2005 Cruel Sister The Unthanks grabbed the attention of those in the know, exploding into mainstream consciousness with their Mercury Nomination for The Bairns in 2007.

The Unthanks talent for ensnaring the beauty and the tragedy of mankind has drawn comparisons with Tom Waits and Sufjan Stevens.

With their debut album of 2005 Cruel Sister The Unthanks grabbed the attention of those in the know, exploding into mainstream consciousness with their Mercury Nomination for The Bairns in 20074BR

Spectrum of emotions

Rachel Unthank told 4BR: "It’s a privilege to be involved with the Durham Brass Festival, and to be playing with musicians of the calibre of Brighouse & Rastrick at Durham Cathedral.

Brass band music has the power to evoke the whole spectrum of emotions, from power and celebration to humility and heartache. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to combine our music with this glorious soundscape."

Special arrangements

The Unthanks will sing material from their past and current repertoire, with arrangements re-imagined and arranged specifically for performance with the help of Sandy Smith.

New material has also been especially written and arranged by Adrian McNally, amongst them one based on the song by ‘The Pitman Poet’ Tommy Armstrong about the tragic Trimdon Grange Explosion, a mining disaster of 1882 where 69 were killed.

Steep curves

"I have two steep curves to navigate simultaneously these next few weeks," Adrian told 4BR, "…learning how to write and arrange for brass bands and becoming a father! I have no previous experience of either!"

Proud

Brighouse Band President Paul Beaumont, added: "We are proud to work with The Unthanks whom we admire for their originality and musical skills.

Together we will bring something completely different and wonderful to the audience. We are really looking forward to the first concert which is on 8th July but I know that the combined talents of The Unthanks and B&R will be enjoyed by many, many people."