Calan to perform with the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales on St David’s Day (March 1st)

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As if there sound wasn’t big enough, Welsh folk group Calan join BBC NOW to mark St David’s Day with a UK premiere of Cân Cnawd y Pridd – a suite of five compositions inspired by collections of traditional Welsh songs and tunes at the National Library of Wales. The suite, dedicated to the memory of Meredydd Evans – one of the most important song collectors of the 20th Century – is a joint commission between BBC NOW and Orchestre Symphonique de Bretagne. 

Unfortunately it won’t be broadcast, but we hope to be able to share the recording in the future. Here is a montage over audio of their performance with Orchestre Symphonique de Bretagne last year, love the timpani!

Matthew Byrne to be in New England in March.

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View this email in your browserHeading back to New England this March!After spending much of December in the Boston area wowing audiences with Brian O’Donovan’s “Christmas Celtic Sojourn”, Byrne is returning to New England this March for a string of dates in MA, RI, CT, and NH.

“I love New Engalnd’s folk music audiences and I’ve made such great friends there over the past few years. I’m finalizing music for my next album and this tour is a great way to introduce these songs before I hit the studio in June.”

Matthew’s 4th studio album will be produced by English folk legend Martin Simpson and will feature some of the finest musicians of the British folk scene.

“I’m a massive fan of Martin’s work and we’ve become friends in recent years. I thought him the ideal fella to produce my next album, which leans heavily toward traditional songs that I found in Newfoundland but traced back to English origin. I’m pretty honored that Martin has come on board for this…this is an incredible opportunity for me.”

All shows are currently on sale. For ticket links and more info, head over to: www.MatthewByrne.net/tour
WHAT FORTUNES GUIDE A SAILORCBC Parkway Sessions 2019 / Recorded in CBC’s Studio F in St. John’s, NL
NANCY FROM LONDONCBC Parkway Sessions 2019 / Recorded in CBC’s Studio F in St. John’s, NL

Tommy Sands, “Fair Play to You All” review on Babysue

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https://babysue.com/2020-Feb-LMNOP-dONW7.html#anchor58351


Tommy Sands – Fair Play To You All (CD, Spring Record, Irish folk/pop)
Because so many Americans are hypnotized by so many phony money-driven artists in the twenty-first century, they tend to be unaware of genuine real artists making credible music all over the world. It’s sad, but true. While talentless schmucks who don’t deserve any money or fame receive tons of both, those who are truly inspired and credible tend to be obscure in the United States. Overseas Tommy Sands is a legendary singer/songwriter who has been making music for decades. His music is a far cry from commercial driven schlop pop. Sands incorporates elements from folk and pop, and then delivers his messages with distinctive style and personality. The guy has one of those voices that instantly comes across sounding very personal and real. Although we don’t know this for sure, we can’t help but think that Tommy is driven mainly by the desire to make music and express himself. This comes across loud and clear with each and every track on Fair Play To You All. With most songwriters, the weakest link in the chain are lyrics. But in this case, lyrics are exceptionally strong. Sands writes words that seem to come straight from his heart and soul. And his vocal delivery makes the words seem completely sincere and focused. Anyone wanting to discover an artist with true skill and talent would do well to investigate this man’s life and music. He’s recorded a whole slew of albums that are timeless and totally cool. Just a few of the standout tracks on this album include “Answer Not Blowing in the Wind,” “American Dreams,” “Ode to Europe,” and “Every County on the Island.”

The Trials of Cato’s “Hide and Hair” wins Best Album at the 2019 BBC Folk Awards.

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Well-earned recognition for this hot new act. They just did a quick tour of the Northeast, their first trip to the US. They will be back for summer festivals and an autumn theater tour in 2020.

Here is what some others have to say:

“One of the real discoveries on the folk circuit in recent times” – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2
“Fascinating stuff” – Cerys Matthews, BBC 6 Music
“Swaggering… glossy results” – The Guardian
“One of the most impressive debut folk albums of the year ★★★★” – Songlines
“Full of verve… they delight festival audiences ★★★★” – RnR
“A band name on everyone’s lips… few debut albums have as much vitality and impact ” – fRoots
“The Trials of Cato are about to hit the earth’s atmosphere with a bang, so sit back and enjoy the fireworks” – FRUK