ALAW

And yet the musical production of our Welsh cousins is far from negligible. But it seems that they are self-sufficient, exporting very little of their albums. The three members of Alaw are leading musicians on the traditional Welsh music scene, all three of whom are members of Jamie Smith's Mabon. Jamie Smith first and his vibrating accordion, then violinist Oliver Wilson-Dickson and finally guitarist and pianist Dylan Fowler.

In 2013 they produced their first album, Melody (Alaw is the Welsh translation of melody). An album as refreshing as it is contagious, essentially traditional melodies. With Dead Man's Dance, Alaw opens up to songs this time, since there are six of them on the eleven tracks of the album. Lots of traditional as well as Oliver's compositions in English. And then of course Welsh songs like Santiana, an energetic sea shanty written by J. Glyn Davies.

To perform these songs alongside Jamie and Oliver, two popular singers in Wales, Georgia Ruth and Gwilym Bowen Rhys. On Santiana we have the pleasure to meet Antwn Owen Hicks from the band Carreg Lafar at the bagpipe.

The album begins with Dawns Soïg' composed by Dylan as a tribute to his friend Soïg Sibéril with whom he has often played. Let us mention again Iâr Fach yr Haf, whose striking beauty is magnified by the guitar and violin of the two accomplices. Let's not forget Gillian Stevens who adorns the album with her cello When It's Gone.

At last, an album where sensitivity and virtuosity combine in a bold explosion of traditional Welsh music. A music that is certainly less popular here than those of Ireland or Scotland, but so rich and melodious.

Taith Records TRCD00021 - www.alaw-band.com