CASS MEURIG & NIAL CAIN - Oes I Oes
Private Label
The intimate playfulness and shadowy glamour of traditional Welsh music is abundant in beauty and diversity, although it is not always as well represented as the other musical traditions of these isles. Thanks heaven there are people like these two then. Cass Meurig, also known for her work with the glorious Fernhill, is a renowned fiddler, singer and player of the crwth (a Welsh stringed instrument with an ancient heritage) as well as a noted scholar. (She edited an anthology of eighteenth century Welsh fiddle tunes, some of which appear here.) Nial is a fine fiddler (and fiddle maker) among his multi-instrumental skills. Together they tease out songs from unpublished collections, give us some inventive settings of nursery rhymes and play wonderfully relaxed tunes.
Cass’s low, rich voice allows the songs to unfold unfussily, as intimate as a whisper in the ear. The accompaniments wrap warmly around the texts, following the vocal lines, sometimes building and falling away again to create a mossily dark atmosphere, as with Cathod (Cats), often belying the humour and surreality of the words. The overall effect is one of thoughtful containment, revealing delightful nooks and crannies at each listen. An album that should entrance those new to Welsh music, with enough to surprise and delight those who love it already.
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this CD online from The Listening Post The Listening Post is the CD mailorder service of The Living Tradition magazine. This album was reviewed in Issue 95 of The Living Tradition magazine. |