The Apple Sellers

The Apple Sellers are a contemporary Lancashire folk duo who incorporate elements of modern classical and traditional spiritual music to create immersive 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 popular musician and storyteller Martin Purdy – frontman of the award-winning folk outfit Harp & a Monkey – and gifted multi-instrumentalist Ian Mayer (#theblindbassman) from Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester. The pair, who bonded over a shared passion for the power of great musical storytelling, have created an evocative sound underpinned by piano, double bass, harmonium, shruti box drones and strong harmony vocals. Of particular interest to local audiences, many of the songs and stories they perform are rooted in old Lancashire. As for the name? The pair first met as volunteers at a community orchard and usually rehearse in a cider press, so there could only really be one title for their creative partnership…