The Mediæval Bæbes, a renowned British musical ensemble, was founded in 1996 by Dorothy Carter and Katharine Blake. The group originated from Katharine Blake’s former band, Miranda Sex Garden, and was joined by like-minded individuals who shared a passion for medieval music. Their lineup typically varies from six to twelve members, changing from album to album. Impressively, the group has sold over 500,000 records worldwide as of 2010, with their most successful album, “Worldes Blysse,” amassing 250,000 copies sold.
The Bæbes’ debut album, “Salva Nos” (1997), achieved remarkable success, reaching the second spot on the UK specialist classical charts and receiving silver certification on 15 May 1998. Their subsequent albums, including the chart-topping “Worldes Blysse” (citation needed), “Undrentide” (co-produced by John Cale), “The Rose” (produced by Toby Wood), and the Christmas-themed album “Mistletoe and Wine,” further solidified their reputation in the music industry.
The enchanting album “Mirabilis” (2005) was launched with a captivating concert and celebration in London, August 2005. Additionally, they released a self-titled DVD in July 2006, with the first 300 preorders personally autographed by the band and specially acknowledged in the DVD credits.
Their mesmerizing albums feature a delightful blend of traditional medieval songs and poetry, thoughtfully arranged by Katharine Blake for the ensemble. They also include original compositions, all of which showcase the group’s remarkable vocal abilities. Singing in multiple languages, such as Latin, Middle English, French, Italian, Russian, Swedish, Scottish English, German, Manx Gaelic, Spanish, Welsh, Bavarian, Provençal, Irish, modern English, and Cornish, the Bæbes’ performances are accompanied by medieval instruments, including the recorder and cittern, played by the singers themselves or fellow talented musicians.
The Bæbes’ musical repertoire ranges from deeply traditional pieces, such as their moving rendition of the “Coventry Carol” on “Salva Nos,” to songs that retain a traditional essence but possess a more contemporary feel. An excellent example is their version of “Summerisle,” a song originally written for Robin Hardy’s 1973 cult film, “The Wicker Man.” On the album “Undrentide,” John Cale introduced non-medieval instruments, like the saxophone and electric guitar, into some arrangements, though the band later returned to their traditional instrument roots in subsequent albums. Nevertheless, the group’s current style exhibits a fascinating blend of medieval influences and modern sensibilities, a striking juxtaposition notably showcased in the album “Illumination” (2009), produced by KK (Kevin Kerrigan).