SongChain
incorporates ten of Wales’ most talented musicians and singers who deliver a
unique and exciting tour enriched in Welsh folk music and tradition. Robert
Evans, Dylan Fowler, Gwyneth Glyn, Delyth Jenkins, Beth Williams-Jones, Stephen
Rees, Gwilym Bowen Rhys, Patrick Rimes and Jamie Smith; all known for their
solo work as well as contribution to bands such as Calan and Jamie Smith’s
Mabon; collaborate in this inspiring project mostly based on the heritage of
folk music in Wales. During the performances there is, in my opinion, a lovely
balance between English and Welsh spoken. Also, Songchain is made special by
the leaflets which contain set lists with details of the songs (in both English
and Welsh).
As the
concerted started, to the distinctive sound of the pigorn, all eyes were drawn
to the back of the auditorium to watch the dramatic entrance of Partick Rimes,
Stephen Rees and Gwilym Bowen Rhys. They walked down the aisle whilst Patrick
and Stephen played the pibgorn and Gwilym played bagpipes. The modern tune ‘Y
pibydd Llon’ (‘The Joyful Piper’) was followed by the traditional tunes ‘Beth yw’r
Haf I mi?’ (What is the Summer to Me?’ The use of these instruments created a
really unusual yet distinctively Welsh sound and at times there were some
really beautiful harmonies. During this piece the rest of the musicians
congregated on stage in silence. They sat in a semicircle behind an area where
the musicians performing could stand. This gave the concert a very intimate
atmosphere and all the musicians were visibly enjoying watching each other
perform.
Patrick,
Stephen and Gwilym stayed at the front of the stage for the next piece, the sea
shanty ‘Mae’r Gwynt Yn Deg’ (‘The Wind is Fair’). The harmonies created during
this lively song were particularly enjoyable especially as they sang it
unaccompanied, taking it in turns to sing the individual verses. This is just
one of multiple songs with a naval theme. Later on in the first half Gwyneth
Glyn beautifully sang the song ‘Yn Harbwr San Francisco’ accompanying herself
on guitar alongside Jamie Smith’s wonderful accordion playing. This is a very
pretty song in which a sailor laments about Wales. The addition of Jamie’s
whistling late on the song made it particularly memorable and enjoyable.
It was
particularly interesting to see Robert Evans play the crwth, which is a
stringed instrument played with a bow like a violin but worn round the neck, ‘like
a punishment’ as he explained. Robert pointed out that its importance in Wales
for 800 years – twice as long as the violin. He played and sang ‘Ar Mhwys Dan
Wyro ‘Mhen’ (‘As I Surveyed the Wood Alone’) and the sound of the crwth was
very fitting to the melody and Robert’s voice. Another distinctively Welsh form of music that
was played was Cerdd Dant. A cerdd dant (or penillion singing) is a form of
sung poetry accompanied by the harp. Gwenan Gibbard played ‘Calon Drom’ (‘Heavy
Heart) comprising both old and new lyrics. Gwenan Gibbard has a very pleasant
voice which really suits this slightly unusual music form.
Beth Williams-Jones,
Gwyneth Glyn and Gwennan Gibbard opened the second half with the attractive
song ‘Adar Man y Mynydd’ (‘The Small Birds of the Mountain’) notable for their harmonies.
This was followed by Beth Williams-Jones singing ‘Aderyn Pur’ (‘The Pure Bird’)
and ‘Gwcw Fach’ (‘Little Cuckoo’). Although I have heard Beth sing with Calan,
I have never heard her sing as well this. She has a very clear voice and the
song was particularly engaging when, during ‘Gwcw Fach’, she incorporated
rhythmic clogging to go with the lively melody. Dylan Fowler accompanied her
with intricate guitar playing.
The
concert ended with the whole group standing up to sing ‘Carol y Swper’ (‘The
Carol of the Supper’). This song was often sung at the end of Plygain services,
church services that are held early on Christmas morning. It was a lovely and
fitting way to end the concert and one of my favourite moments of the concert.
The
Songchain tour continues for the next week and will visit various places in
Wales. After that, let’s just hope a CD incorporating these beautiful songs and
tunes is released. If I were able to, I would certainly go and see them perform
again. The most disappointing aspect of the concert at Theatr Mwldan was that
very few people attended even though the concert was fantastic. Therefore, I
really recommend that you go and see this unique collaboration.
No comments:
Post a Comment