The Ultimate Guide to Welsh Folk
"My aim was simple, to try and include some of the most beautiful and recognisable songs of the Welsh folk
repertoire, and also, to bring together the voices of some of the most well-loved and influential artists
that have sung these over the years," says curator Cerys Matthews about the latest double disc album
in ARC Music's Ultimate Guide series which completes Great Britain after England and Scotland.
She has been singing herself these songs all her life: a multifaceted tapestry of sounds including different regions, different generations and different approaches with mining choirs, folk groups old and new, singer-songwriters and triple harpists, and even the odd plygain song (i.e. Christmas carols usually sung in close 3-part harmony). [wt]
![]() Cass Meurig plays the fiddle and crwth, that medieval bowed lyre with gut strings and droney sound. Over the last few years she has played internationally and recorded with Welsh bands Pigyn Clust and Fernhill. ![]() Cass Meurig @ FROG |
![]() Gwenan Gibbard specialises in the unique art of 'Cerdd Dant', where a new melody is composed to be sung on top of an established air played on the harp. ![]() Gwenan Gibbard @ FROG |
![]() With their unmistakable sound of Welsh language vocals shimmering alongside swamp guitar, harp, and a subtle use of technology, 9Bach have been widely credited with giving a new voice to Welsh song. ![]() 9Bach @ FROG |
![]() With a contemporary and lively approach, Calan breathe new life into the old traditions through sparkling melodies, foot tapping and spirited and energetic performances of Welsh step dancing. ![]() Calan @ FROG |
Photo Credits:
(1) 'The Ultimate Guide to Welsh Folk',
(2)-(3) Calan,
(5) Gwenan Gibbard,
(6) 9Bach,
(7) Cerys Matthews
(unknown/website);
(4) Cass Meurig
(by Walkin' Tom).