A GROUP that has been compared to Indigo Girls, The Be Good Tanyas, Simon and Garfunkel, Tracy Chapman, Michelle Shocked, Rickie Lee Jones and Dead Can Dance arrives in Ludlow this month.

Since coming together after a chance meeting in a hostel in Barcelona in 2000, Ember and their unique acoustic magic have delighted audiences all over the world - from California to Mexico, Ireland to Spain, and, on July 25, Ludlow.

Based in Wales, where they have recorded all four of their albums, Ember have recently caused a stir at Broadstairs, Priddy, Glastonbury, Llangollen Fringe, Big Green Gathering, Warwick, Otley, Fishguard Folk Festival and Sesiwn Fawr, amongst other festivals, as well as at folk clubs all over the UK.

The simple yet moving music centres around the miraculous blending of two very different voices: that of Welsh songstress Emily Williams, who also sails through the mix with her violin and sets up chunky rhythms with her nylon-strung guitar, and that of Rebecca Sullivan, of Utah, who fingerpicks a sparkling steel-string, and breaks out the harmonica for a song or two.

Engaging and humorous performers, Emily and Rebecca build a natural rapport with the audience - in true troubadour style.

Ember appear at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Friday, July 25, at 8pm. As an extra bonus, they will be joined at this performance by Dutch percussionist Job Verveijen. To book call the box office on 01584 878141 or visit ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk