Harry Kessell, aged 20 first started singing at the tender age of 4 when his dad, Mike Kessell got him up to sing in a session at Sidmouth Folk Festival – from that moment he was hooked! His inspiration very much comes from being surrounded by and listening to traditional singers from an early age such as Jinx’s Stack, the Wilson Family, Kimbers Men, The Melrose Quartet and countless others.
Olly Kessell, aged 16 was brought up in the same family tradition of singers and musicians, so it was inevitable that he would find his way into music somehow! He has always been drawn more toward Sea Shanties but with influences such as harmony groups The Teacups and The Windborne Singers he has developed a passion for other forms of traditional song.
In Novemeber 2022, Harry and Olly started singing at The Countryman Sessions in Cornwall, hosted by singer Mel Babbs.
It was here that Mel encouraged them to sing and to join forces with 17 year old Ruby Gillson. Relatively new to the traditional folk scene, but with a natural talent, stunning voice and an ear for a good song. Ruby was the perfect addition to the group and Kessenyan was formed!
Over the past year, the trio have made huge waves on the Folk scene in Cornwall, singing at many local events and festivals often performing at numerous venues over the course of a weekend. From the pubs, cafes and street performances at Falmouth and Mevagissey Shanty Festivals to rounding up the festivals on the main stage. Other notable gigs include opening Cornwall Folk Festival in the town hall and supporting the legendary Martin Carthy at Launceston Folk Club. Wherever they sing, they go down a storm.
With opportunities to perform further afield, across the UK and in Europe in 2025 Kessenyan say “We are excited to see what the future holds both for as a trio and for the whole folk tradition in general” – and we couldn’t agree more!