Kessenyan
Kessenyan (meaning harmony) are a young three-part vocal group based in Redruth, Cornwall. Inspired by generations of singers, they specialize in English, Irish and Scottish folk songs and sea shanties. As a trio they are becoming well known for putting their own unique spin on the songs they love and enjoying every moment of it! With fresh arrangements, rich vocals and a love of tradition, with some cracking tune sets thrown in, they are equally at home in a pub setting, intimate folk club or on the big stage.
Kessenyan’s aim is to develop that perfect blend of harmony and tradition within their songs and to continue to share their passion with the aim of getting more young people singing!
“Kessenyan – young, talented, great harmonies and a great future!” – Cornwall Folk Festival
“It’s not often that someone the calibre of Tom Wilson claps you on the shoulder (Harry) saying ‘you’re my find of the weekend’ – Great stuff!” – Mel Babbs
Demo Tracks
Come Me Lads
Eliza Lee
Fire Down Below
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 couple of years, the trio have made huge waves on the Folk scene in Cornwall and beyond, singing at 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.
In 2026, Kessenyan made their first trip oversees, to perform at Bie Diap International Folk and Seasong Festival in the Netherlands and also joined forces with other local young talent to form the band ‘Woodkern’ who have taken the festival scene by storm! They 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!