REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

DELYTH JENKINS - Aros
Steam Pie Records SPCD1111S

Delyth Jenkins, one of the leading Welsh Harpists, appears to work in eight-year cycles! When her last solo album ('Ar y Ffin') was released in 1998 I remember a reviewer from another publication bemoaning the eight years that had elapsed since her first release. Lo and behold! Another eight years on and we have a new collection of mostly traditional Welsh tunes arranged by Delyth.

Technically she appears to be as good as ever (though I speak as a non-harpist) and on this CD she has help from her daughters Angharad (Fiddle) and Branwen (Flute) and old Aberjaber band mate, Pete Stacey, on sax and flute. This collection was recorded at Dylan Fowler's Stiwdio Felin Fach in Abergavenny and Dylan's output just gets better and better. He also makes an appearance playing the Darabuka (a chalice-shaped Middle Eastern drum) instead of his usual guitar. Give a listen to track three 'A Veritable Feast' (Delyth dedicates the tune to a bottle of port!), which is one of four Delyth originals. This 'feast' has a short aperitif or prelude and features the said Darabuka and wonderful tenor sax from Pete weaving around Delyth's clear-as-crystal harp. It sends shivers up the spine and is far and away my favourite track. What do we have to say, Delyth? Not another eight years, please!

Phil Thomas