Unlikely duo James Hill and Anne Janelle come to the Oval Tavern in Croydon on April 17. Unlikely? Well, when have you ever heard of a ukulele and ‘cello duo?

James grew up playing folk, jazz and blues on his ukulele, while Anne was a classical ‘cellist. However, the Canadian pair’s differences have quickly become their biggest asset.

The uke is high, the ‘cello is low; the uke plays short notes, the ‘cello long bow strokes; the uke is all about strumming while the ‘cello radiates melody.

Like shadows and light in an old photograph, these contrasts are complementary. “We’re like a pair of dancers who can’t step on each other’s feet,” jokes James.

This concert is part of The Oval Tavern’s ever-expanding, eclectic music programme.

“We’re delighted that James and Anne have chosen Croydon as their sole London gig on their U.K. tour,“ says Neil Woodcock, of local promoters, The Ukulele & Other Machines.

“Obviously Croydon’s vibrant grass-roots music scene continues to attract world-class performers.

"We already run a popular community Uke Jam twice a month at The Green Dragon, and held a nationally-fêted uke festival weekend in Croydon in 2016, so it’ll be great for our members to be inspired by one of the world’s greatest players, especially in the exotic combination with a ‘cello! But people who like all sorts of music will find something they enjoy in this concert too – I’m really excited about it.”

On the night, you can expect an intricate, enchanting and engaging performance: “a crystal clear sound filled with warmth” (Bob Mersereau, CBC). In concert, James is “a dazzling performer with a genial, low-key sense of humour” (Edmonton Journal) and Anne brings her “gorgeous voice” (Acoustic Magazine) to songs that are “inventive, entertaining, beautifully written and brilliantly performed” (R2 Magazine).

You can find out for yourself how they sound at www.jameshillannejanelle.com/video.

The Ukulele & Other Machines run a Uke Jam every fortnight and Oval Tunes, a folk session, once a month, as well as putting on regular concerts.

Their next concert will be by internationally renowned Klezmer accordionist Geoff Berner, with support from quirky singer-songwriter Elliot Mason, on Friday 18th May at The Oval Tavern.

An Evening with James Hill and Anne Janelle is on Tuesday 17th April, 7.30pm at The Oval Tavern, 131 Oval Road, CROYDON CR0 6BR. Tickets available from www.wegottickets.com/theukulele.