Leading Welsh band Allan Yn Y Fan are delighted to announce their new six piece line-up and touring plans for 2015.
In their first line-up change since 2008, the original four members of the band (Geoff Cripps, Chris Jones, Lind Simmonds and Kate Strudwick) are thrilled to be joined by lead-singer Catrin O’Neill and fiddler Alan Cooper. Catrin is well-known as a solo artist and for also having been part of the TRAC project 10 Mewn Bws/10 In A Bus, whilst Alan has played his fiddle in a variety of line-ups touring across the world.
Catrin, originally from southern Snowdonia , says “Welsh folk music has been overlooked for so long, even well-known Celtic musicians not really being aware of its existence. Many people think that our folk music consists of hymns or male voice choirs – so far from the reality. The true folk music of Wales can be compared to the carefree passion of Irish, or the beauty of Breton music, but with it bringing harmonies and a poetic tradition to rival that of anywhere in the world. I think it would be very mean of us not to share it! Joining Allan Yn Y Fan means I get to be part of a band who really subscribe to that generosity of spirit and put the miles in to take our music to new countries, concert halls and festivals – I can’t wait to get on the road!”
Alan says “I am really excited about the prospects of working with Allan Yn Y Fan and with Catrin O’Neill. As new players for the band we are relishing the opportunity of honouring what the band has created over the past decade, but also to putting our creative stamp on the next chapter of their musical journey.”
First up for the new band is their appearance at a brand new showcasing event the Arainn Ceilteach festival being held on Inis Môr, Aran Isles of the coast of Galway from 13th March (www.ceilteach.ie ). Their first Welsh festival appearance in 2015 will be at the Tredegar House Folk Festival on Saturday 9th May.
Later in the year the band will be heading into the studio to produce their sixth album and the first with this exciting new line-up.
Artists’ website: www.ayyf.co.uk
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