Daphne's Flight

Given the impressive line-up, short-lived UK folk group Daphne’s Flight was guaranteed to attract a substantial audience when making their debut at the 1995 Cambridge Folk Festival. Comprising Christine Collister, Melanie Harrold, Julie Matthews, Helen Watson and Chris While, press announcements that the quintet offered the ‘very cream of British women singers’ were wholly justified. The Cambridge appearance was followed by a major concert at London’s prestigious Union Chapel in December. In January 1996 they travelled to the Isle Of Man for 10 days to record their debut album (a hurried recording ‘window’ necessitated by the members’ busy schedules). While builders worked through the night to complete the studio, Daphne’s Flight wrote original material and rehearsed the delicious harmonies, which had become their definitive musical imprint. The reaction to Daphne’s Flight from the roots and folk music press was highly encouraging, and the group completed a major 18-date tour of England through May and June 1996.