Lyrics-obsessed reviewers (such as me) shouldn’t review CDs in languages they don’t know. Luckily, the CDs in this this collection of Welsh music contain enough instrumental tunes and enough sheer beauty to moderate the language barrier.
The various artists’ compilation from Sain was an invaluable aid to gaining some clue about the state of Welsh folk music. Goreuon Canu Gwerin Newydd (The Best of New Welsh Folk Music) is a sampler of 18 tracks by 15 Welsh groups, including the hilarious reggae interpretation of Welsh sea chanty “Flat Huw Puw” by Gwerinos.
The liner notes, which contain text in both Welsh and English, offer some perspective on the Welsh scene. By recording more than one tune per group, the groups get a chance to indicate their range as well as have a bit of fun. A sense of humor and sensibility of beauty come through all the selections in the CD. I’m also intrigued by the ubiquitous Tudur Huw Jones playing a variety of instruments on five tracks — have I discovered Wales’ classic session musician? Artists included, in addition to Gwerinos, include Sian James, with her beautiful ethereal voice, Saith Rhyfeddodd, Bob Delyn a’r Ebillion, Ogam, Pigyn Clust, Aberjaber, a fun a capella song by Cusan 
Tan, Ar Log, Plethyn, JohnRodge, Carreg Lafar, Branwen, Calennig, and Dafydd Iwan.
Notable are Ogam’s spare but not thin sound on “Adar Many Y Mynydd” and Cusan Tan’s playful a cappella “Y March Glas.” John Rodge’s “Cariad fach Tirderi” is an addictive acoustic guitar instrumental.
Ar Log’s long experience shows through the music on Ar Log VI. The style of the music, if not the tunes, was recognizable from New England’s better contra bands — the tunes travel along at a good clip without ever sounding hurried — or tired– or out of control. Fine musicianship.
I was surprised to be bowled over by Bob Delwyn a’r Ebillion’s Gwbade Bach Cochlyd (Little Red Faces). The album’s dark sensibility and poetic non linearity is obvious even without understanding a single word on the album. My household’s unanimous favorite tune is “Dacw Dir.” I have no idea what the song is about, but it’s fabulous. Of all the Welsh CDs I’ve heard, this is the one I’ll still be playing five years from now.
The Sain catalog describes BobvDelwyn’s music as “unlikely Welsh folk” but lists the albums under rock: that’s about right.
Although Cusan Tan contains a guitarist and harpist the music is primarily about the voices of Ann Morgan Jones and Sue Jones-Davies. Cusan Tan’s songs, by Ann Jones, are in both English and Welsh. I like my music boisterous and rowdy, so this isn’t my cup of tea. But if you enjoy female vocal stylings, Cusan Tan’s Kiss of Fire may be the album for you.
Ar Log has been around for 20 years, and this anniversary album sees former members Dave Burns and Graham Pritchard return, as well as guests Graham Land, Dafydd Wyn, Sian Wheway, and Eden. The sheer level of musicianship is impressive.
(Sain, 1995-1996)
The Sain website has all sorts of Welsh music, books, and videos.
