Founding member, writer and vocalist, Amy Birks is joined on the album by her co-writers from the original Beatrix Players line-up, Helena Dove, and guitarist Tom Manning. Also joining this expanded group are doyen of progressive music, flautist John Hackett, guitarist Oliver Day (That Joe Payne, Yes Please), drummer Andrew Booker (Tim Bowness) and storied cellist Jane Fenton (LSO, LCO, RPO, Britten Ensemble etc). Pianist Matthew Lumb and bassist Kyle Welch complete the octet.
 

AMANDA LEHMANN is an international solo recording artist, performer, composer, singer and guitarist, also known for her collaborations with former Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett.

After a musical career spanning over three decades, singer/songwriter/guitarist Amanda released her debut solo album Innocence and Illusion in 2021. The recording, which features 9 songs, sees a fusion of prog, rock, ballads, and elements of jazz-blues, takes us on a journey through magical childhood worlds and hard-edged realities; emotionally touching us at every turn.

Amanda showcases her album & music from her back catalogue in live acoustic shows, bringing the essence of her songs to the audience in a captivating performance. Her gigging career has incorporated thousands of live shows, performing extensively around the UK with her own band in the 80s and 90s and latterly touring with Steve Hackett between 2009 – to date.

She has previously released a solo EP ‘Shadow’ in 2010, and a duo album ‘Wazzoon’ in 1994 (remastered 2021). In 2022, Amanda released a Christmas single ‘An Old Christmas Day, and also a single ‘One Last Spin’ which she wrote to highlight the harms from gambling. Amanda also enjoys collaborating with other musicians and features on many musical projects.

The Sussex-born, now Norfolk resident has always adored singing, and throughout her childhood would grab any opportunity to sing whether in a solo capacity or as part of a choir. As a teenager, she began to study the styles of various vocalists from Stevie Nicks to Pat Benatar; Alison Moyet to Joni Mitchell, to work out what techniques they used and forging a vocal style of her own. “My vocals are always adapting” says Amanda “I like to vary my style according to the song I’m singing; different techniques work for different songs. I particularly love constructing multi-layered harmonies.”

Originally classically trained on the piano, Amanda fell in love with the power of the overdriven guitar. Self-taught, she went ahead and learnt tricks and tips from experienced players, all the time creating a style combining influences of rock, blues and folk. “You never stop learning” says Amanda “which is part of the joy of music.”