David Chamberlain Introduces Us To Five Artists
You Should Get To Know
David Chamberlain lives in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, Wales and hosts the weekly radio show, Acoustic Routes, The show is broadcast locally on Jacs Radio, and goes out internationally on Blues and Roots Radio. In addition to his radio work David contributes articles to music magazines in the UK and attends as many live music events as he can. He is a big supporter of folk and roots music creators in the UK and beyond, especially highlighting artists who are based in Wales.
David said "I believe that Folk music is as relevant today as its ever been, but, in order to remain so it can't forever hark back to a mythical golden age, it also needs to reflect modern life. Preservation of the old traditions is vital but the creation of new traditions to carry forward is equally important. I play pretty much anything "folky" Blues, Acoustic, World, Folk, you name it."
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acoustic.Routes
We asked David for five artists that he would suggest we listen to.
GWILYM BOWEN-RHYS
Hailing from Bethel, a North Wales village nestled at the foot of Snowdon, Gwilym Bowen Rhys has been singing in his native Welsh for as long as he can remember. He first came to prominence with Welsh language Rock band Y Bandana before forming alt folk trio Plu (Feathers) with his sisters Elan and Marged. Gwilym’s music is a mix of the old and new, bringing life to ancient Welsh songs and melodies, mixing them with progressive sounds.
Described by BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe as “One of these island’s best, in any language”, Gwilym was a well deserved winner of the best make solo artist category at the 2019 Welsh Folk Awards
Website: www.gwilymbowenrhys.com
RUSTY SHACKLE
A band that has been around in one form or another since the turn of the new millennium, Rusty Shackle can trace their roots back to BBC young folk finalists One String Loose, who came out of the regular Irish music sessions at Pill Community centre in Newport. Since then, this young Caldicot based band have been building a formidable reputation on the live circuit with their homecoming gig at Caldicot Castle in 2017 being one of the highlights of the year.
Website: http://www.rustyshackle.com
LOWRI EVANS
A bilingual singer from West Wales who records and performs in both Welsh and English. Lowri’s music encompasses Folk, Americana, Country and Blues Influences.
As well as regularly recording and performing with her partner and musical associate Lee Mason, Lowri Evans also performs with North Walian singer Sera as Tapestri as well as with Wiltshire based singer/Songwriter Tom McRae as EvansMcRae.
Website: www.lowriandlee.co.uk
THE MEADOWS
Four Siblings from South West Wales who blend a range of influences including Classical and Folk with outstanding musicianship and cutting edge techniques to produce music with a contemporary vibe. Their debut album, The Force Of The Tide, which explores the maritime heritage of the British Isles, was released in 2017 to great acclaim and the band are currently working on a follow up with legendary Welsh Singer/Songwriter Steve Balsamo to be released through new Welsh label SWND.
Website: https://www.themeadowsband.co.uk/
ALLAN YN Y FAN
Since their formation in 1996 Allan Yn Y Fan has carved out a reputation as one of Wales' foremost traditional bands, with an impressive catalogue of concert, festival and recorded work, as well as a number of European tours to their credit.
The multi-instrumental sextet, as famed now for their 'beautiful vocals' as for their “fiery instrumentals”, breathe new life into the traditional songs and music of Wales as well as writing their own tunes inspired by their homeland and travels.
Internationally Allan Yn Y Fan has performed at Festival Interceltique Lorient in Brittany, and at venues in in France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria as well as successfully touring in Germany and the Czech Republic.
Festival appearances in the UK include Glasgow's Celtic Connections, Trowbridge Village Pump, Bromyard, Beverley, Fylde, Middlewich Folk & Boat, Tredegar House, Fire in the Mountain, Shepley Spring, Fishguard Folk Festival as well as the world-famous Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Along the way they have also made a number of radio and television appearances.
Allan Yn Y Fan has undertaken major theatre tours of Wales supporting the release of their “Pwnco” and ‘NEWiD’ albums and in 2014 they received a PRSF/St. David’s Hall commission to compose new music with fellow Welsh musicians DnA (Delyth & Angharad Jenkins) performed at the first Folk Day at the Welsh Proms that summer. While concert and festival work is now the band’s main focus they still enjoy playing for twmpaths as well for private, corporate and public events. In 2016 they even had 20,000 people dancing in Bute Park, Cardiff as part of the mammoth Roald Dahl centenary ‘City of the Unexpected’ celebrations.
Since 2003 Allan Yn Y Fan has released 6 albums and one EP on the Steam Pie Label. All have received terrific critical acclaim The most recent album released on 16th September 2016 entitled “NEWiD” – newid is the Welsh word for change, whilst in English the title could be represented as new identity – apt for an album reflecting the band’s new six piece line-up and, coincidentally Allan Yn Y Fan’s sixth record.
Website: http://www.ayyf.co.uk/
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