Keeley Forsyth live in Parma

Experience Keeley Forsyth live on October 2nd

Keeley Forsyth is a British vocalist and composer known for her distinctly atmospheric and often unsettling music. Her work blends elements of jazz, experimental music, and folk traditions, frequently employing spoken word and utilising stark, minimalist arrangements. Forsyth’s compositions often explore themes of isolation, memory, and the darker aspects of human experience, characterised by her unique vocal delivery – a blend of fragility and power.

Hand To Mouth is a collaborative project between Keeley Forsyth and composer/musician Matthew Bourne. It represents a departure from their individual work, focusing on re-interpretations of traditional Italian folk songs – specifically *canzoni popolari*. The project began in 2017 with an intensive period of research into regional song collections across Italy, initially focused on material sourced from the archives of Roberto Leydi.

Their performances feature Forsyth’s vocals alongside Bourne’s arrangements incorporating prepared piano, harmonium, and field recordings gathered during their travels throughout Italy. The duo aim to unearth and reimagine these often-forgotten songs, presenting them in a contemporary context while respecting their historical roots. This concert in Parma represents a continuation of this ongoing exploration of Italian musical heritage through the lens of their unique artistic partnership.