Daphne's Flight

Daphne's Flight

Daphne's Flight is a British folk and roots music collaboration formed by five singers, instrumentalists and songwriters: Christine Collister, Melanie Harrold, Julie Matthews, Helen Watson and Chris While. The group appears in 1995 and 1996, and its one-off album and live work help establish it as a notable meeting point for some of the best-known female voices in the English folk scene.

Origins and early appearances

The group makes its debut at the 1995 Cambridge Folk Festival, where it is one of the event's highlights. It then plays a major concert at London's Union Chapel in December 1995. The project is based in the United States according to the available record, and its active period runs from 1995 to 1996.

Recording and release

In January 1996, Daphne's Flight records its self-titled album over ten days. The recording becomes the group's main release and is described as highly regarded. The project also leads to a sell-out tour.

Later activity

Although the album is a one-off at the time, the members continue with their own careers. They also appear on and contribute to each other's albums and live performances. The group later comes together for specific gigs, including a reunion at the Prebendal Festival in 2003.

Significance

Daphne's Flight helps strengthen links between its members and raises their profiles nationally and internationally. It is also seen as a turning point in the role of women within the English folk movement.