Okay, I have another folk band for you, but seriously, you’re going to thank me for this one. This is a two-woman, Chattanooga, TN-based folk band with a stellar live-show presence. The creators, Eleanor and Rebekah Angel, named the band Ten Bartram which happens to be the address to their grandmother’s house, the home of countless childhood memories, and the space of inspiration for their music and lyrics.

As up-and-comers, these folk-singing sisters got started with quite a bang: their EP, In Tandem, (released in September of this year) reached No. 6 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart within just a few days, and their EP release party sold out completely. Kudos, ladies. It’s no surprise though–their lyrics are rich, their harmonies are complex, their presence is intriguing. These talented young women radiate light and passion for what they do–it captivates the audience from the start. Almost as interesting as the music itself is the way the sisters of Ten Bartram rely on each other to create their music. In Tandem was so named for that very reason–every line, lyric, melody, and harmony is infused with the personality and creativity of each sister. Originally that meant Rebekah would write lyrics and Eleanor would put them to music, but now the creation results in a collaboration of lyrics and notes from both.

I haven’t even mentioned the best part yet: there is a ukuleles involved..and a mandolin..and a guitar. In the EP, Eleanor plays the guitar and sings, Rebekah play the mandolin and ukulele and sings, and special guests Matt Nelson (upright bass), Peter Hagemeyer (cello), Amy Stafford (violin), and Paul Canestrari (percussion) strengthen the sound of the final product.

Ten Bartram continues to perform and create beautiful folk music so be on the lookout out for more EPs, maybe a CD, and if you’re in Chattanooga, TN anytime soon, check out the local venues for a performance by the sisters. They are also on Facebook, Amazon, and iTunes. If you’re into Ten Bartram, then also check out First Aid Kit. There’s something magical about sister duets.

Here’s a post-Christmas, Christmas song a la Ten Bartram for those of you who aren’t ready to move on quite yet…