Allan Yn Y Fan - Newid

NEWiD is the Welsh word for change, whilst in English the title could be represented as new identity - apt for an album reflecting the band's new six piece line-up and, coincidentally, Allan Yn Y Fan's sixth record.

NEWiD in its twelve tracks demonstrates an evolved, more refined and mature sound for Allan Yn Y Fan. The album features a mix of original compositions and the band's arrangements of more gems from the storehouse of Welsh traditional music and song.

Tracks include Kate Strudwick's hauntingly beautiful Tune for Lilian commemorating a surprise bequest; Chris Jones' jaunty and nimble Bishop of Llandaff's & Frank Hennessy's Kairdiff Quicksteps and some terrific traditional tunes including Dwr Glan, Pibddawns Y Mwnci and Sbaen Wenddydd.The songs include some well know from the tradition such as the spell-binding rendition that Catrin O'Neill gives Dafydd Y Garreg Wen a capella, whilst there is the first recording of a mid 19th century protest ballad collected in Beaufort, Ebbw Vale and entitled Gorthrwm y Gweithiwr (Oppression of the workers). The song issues some dire warnings to 19th century iron masters! NEWiD is respectfully dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Meredydd Evans - in part because Catrin learned some of these songs directly from him or his wife Phyllis Kinney.