Biography

The Apple Sellers are a contemporary folk duo from the North West of England that blend elements of modern classical and traditional folk and spiritual music to create captivating musical performances. It is a unique approach that has seen them gain standing ovations at both folk festivals 

and classical music events. The duo consists of the acclaimed musician and storyteller Martin Purdy, frontman of the award-winning folk trio 

Harp & a Monkey, and gifted multi-instrumentalist Ian Mayer (#halfblindbassist) from Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester. The pair, who first met in (and continue to meet in) a community orchard, bonded over a shared passion for the power of musical storytelling. 

The result is an evocative sound underpinned by piano, double bass, harmonium, shruti box drones and strong harmony vocals. 

"Folk music deconstructed, reimagined and reassembled with a soupçon of Indian secular drone, a pinch of Gorecki, Riech, Glass minimalism, and a passing nod to La Monte Young, accompanying lyrics of dark, strange, humorous tales. Original, rewarding, entertaining, catch if you can.”

“Superb music making, instructive introductions and wonderful harmonies."

"The Merseyside shanty ‘Bold Riley’  and American spiritual ‘Mother in the Graveyard’ gave us goosebumps." 

"The audience gave us so much positive feedback...”

“Fantastic concert. They are both so talented!”

“Loved it! Quality musicianship, great stories and wonderful harmonising.” 

“Something different: highly musical, touching and charming.”

“Just fabulous...”