MORTON VALENCE

Morton Valence are an enigmatic male/female singing duo based around the vocal paring of Robert “Hacker” Jessett, from London, and Irish chanteuse Anne Gilpin. Jessett has played with a variety of bands, including Alabama 3 and Band of Holy Joy, and is a prolific songwriter. Their albums have garnered 4- and 5-star reviews from publications such as Mojo and Uncut, and they feature regularly on BBC 6 Music. Their current line-up includes Shane Gilliver on bass, drummer Daryl Holley, as well as pedal steel guitar legend BJ Cole, who plays intermittently with the band both live and in the studio. 

They recently collaborated with Stephen McCarthy of the Long Ryders on their 2025 release, “Hey Misty,” which was a favourite of Gideon Coe’s at BBC 6 Music. They term their music “Urban Country,” which blends avant-folk, psychedelia and Anglo-centric Americana, the net result of which produces a sound and songwriting style that is very much their own, loaded with harmony and candid narratives, which have been captivating music lovers—and pretty much anyone who happens to stumble into their orbit—for some time now. Think of Lee & Nancy drifting down the River Thames on a steamboat, and you’ll be getting close.

“One of the great mysteries of the 21st century is why Morton Valence aren’t huge.” (Mojo)

“There is no one operating across quite the same terrain as they do.” (Classic Rock)