Welsh instrumentalist Huw Marc Bennett’s new album, Heol Las, cuts a refreshingly fine dash. Taking traditional melodies from South Wales – notably the Morgannwg/Glamorgan region – and reimagining them through a lens of folk jazz and psychedelic roots, Bennett paints a beguiling vision. Cerddoriaeth werin, the folk music of Morgannwg, is vividly brought to modern life here.
‘Carol Haf’ (Summer Carol) opens the proceedings with a ceremonial feel – a bright, sparkling hope for the future – rooted in Bro Morgannwg’s (Vale of Glamorgan region) seasonal rituals. ‘Cân Gwasael’ (Wassail Song) dips down into a darker mood, playing tentatively with the winter tradition of the Mari Lwyd (Welsh midwinter horse-skull folk ritual) – spindly, brooding, haunting…

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us

« »