Hase Waits are sisters Hannah Bainton and Heather Thomas & Heather’s husband James. As our May guests Hannah and Heather both played flute and a range of whistles, backed by James on rhythm guitar.
The two sisters have been playing together since they were about six, and that experience showed itself in wonderful coordination and collaboration on the tunes they played. They played in various combinations: flute duets, high and low whistles, or – my favourite – two low whistles with lovely harmonies. The precision and interweaving of parts in the faster tunes was great.

There were a few songs, both traditional and modern. I would have liked more, but since we don’t have a PA, it was a bit difficult for Hannah’s voice, however good, to cut through the accompaniment.
James did a couple of pieces on hurdy-gurdy, with Heather on flute and Hannah doing lovely lively percussion on cajon, which worked really well. The second one was by audience request, because we enjoyed the one in the first half so much.
A good night, full of lively music. Hase Waits will be at The Gate To Southwell Festival. 3-6 July, probably with an expanded lineup. They will be worth seeing.
p.s. some of us really liked the Green Man fabric design of Heather’s dress.

Hase Waits were backed up by some of our floor singers, as usual. Here’s our longest-standing member, Phil Hind, leading the room in chorus.