Carwyn Tywyn

Adolygiadau / Reviews

2011-12-01T03:22:00.000-08:00

"A master of the Celtic harp"
(Frank Hennessey, Celtic Heartbeat, BBC Radio Wales

"Wedi bod yn gwrando ar albym newydd Carwyn Tywyn. Cerddoriaeth hyfryd, ac alawon gwreiddiol bendigedig" (Angharad Jenkins, CALAN)

"Unbelievable. To walk into a pub and listen to someone playing the harp...a real privilege" (Gregg Lynn, Yr Hwntws)

"Dawn aruthrol ar y delyn" (Fflur Dafydd)

"The playing throughout is excellent"
(Musical Traditions magazine review of "Alawon o'r Stryd" CD)

"Pleser Pur"
(Gareth Wyn Jones, Sain Abertawe / Swansea Sound

1991-2011: 20 mlynedd yn delynor / 20 years of harping

2011-11-30T16:04:00.001-08:00

Bilingual Post - Please scroll down

Ym mis Hydref 2011, roeddwn yn dathlu 20 mlynedd ers i mi gael fy nhelyn cyntaf oddi wrth Mam a Dad. Er mwyn nodi'r achlysur, rwyf wedi ail-wampio'r wefan.

Bellach, mae'r wefan yn cynnwys alawon i'w lawrlwytho, hanes 20 mlynedd o gigs, rhestr cyfredol o gigs sydd ar y gweill, yn ogystal â lluniau a phosteri o'r archif. Byddaf yn dal i'w ddiweddaru'n gyson o hyn ymlaen - gan gynnwys blogio am yr holl drefi rwyf wedi bod yn bysgio ynddynt.

Er nad wyf yn y rheng flaenaf o delynorion Cymru, mae gennyf falchder mawr yn fy nghrefft, ac yn y traddodiad gwerin Cymreig. Gobeithiaf byddwch chithau yn mwynhau pori ar rhai o'r atgofion, lluniau, ac alawon - gan obeithio bydd y wefan yn ysgogi eraill i gymryd diddordeb yn y traddodiad gwerin, ac i sylweddoli ar y posibiliadau -a'r hwyl! - sydd yn deillio o fod yn rhan ohono.

In October 2011, I celebrated 20 years since I was given my first harp by Mam and Dad. I have marked this occasion by revamping my web site.

The website now contains tunes for download, 20 years' gig history, a current list of forthcoming gigs, along with posters and pictures from the archive. I will continue to update the blog regularly from now on, including blogging about all the various towns I have busked in.

I am by no means one of the best harpists in Wales - far from it. However, I have a fierce pride in my craft, and in the folk tradition of which I am part. I hope that you will also enjoy browsing the pictures, melodies and memories on this website. I hope this website will encourage others to take a look at the folk tradition, and to consider some of the possibilities - and fun! - that can be had by being a part of it.

Yr Hwntws a Carwyn Tywyn

2011-11-27T03:55:00.000-08:00

Fy hoff gig mewn 20 mlynedd o ganu'r delyn!
My favourite gig in 20 years of harp performance!

Eisteddfod 2011: 2ail Wobr // 2nd Prize

2011-11-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Perfformio ar y llwyfan yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, Wrecsam, 2011, yng Nghystadleuaeth Tlws Coffa John Weston Thomas. Roedd yn fraint i rhannu'r llwyfan gyda ddau telynor deires arall, sef Steffan Thomas (a ennillodd y Wobr 1af) a Math Roberts.

Performing on stage at the National Eisteddfod, Wrexham, 2011, in the John Weston Thomas Memorial Trophy. It was a priviledge to share the stage with two other young triple harpists, Steffan Thomas (who won 1st Prize), and Math Roberts.

2011: Recordio "Alawon o'r Stryd"

2011-11-25T16:11:00.000-08:00

Yn Chwefror 2011, Bu Dan Morris (Ffidil), Imogen O'Rourke (Ffliwt) a minnau yn recordio fy CD gyntaf, "Alawon o'r Stryd", yng Nghanolfan Telyn Llandysul.

In February 2011, Dan Morris (Fiddle), Imogen O'Rourke (Flute) and myself recorded my first CD, "Alawon o'r Stryd", in the Llandysul Harp Centre.

Bysgio - Carwyn Tywyn a Stephen Rees

2011-11-25T04:08:00.000-08:00

Un o'r uchafbwyntiau o 20 mlynedd o bysgio stryd: cyd-fysgio ar hap gyda Stephen Rees (Crasdant, a chyn-aelod Ar Log), yn 2010. Bore Sadwrn hyfryd o Hydref yn Rhydaman, tref mebyd Stephen.

One of the highlights of 20 years of street busking: a chance encounter with Stephen Rees (Crasdant, and formerly Ar Log) - who just happened to be carrying his whistles down the high street! A lovely Autumnal morning in Rhydaman, Stephen's home town.

Ysbryd Chouchen

2011-11-24T04:21:00.000-08:00

Rhwng 1997-99, roeddwn yn aelod gwadd o grŵp Ysbryd Chouchen. Cafwyd sawl gig llwyddiannus yn yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, Gŵyl y Cnapan, yr Eisteddfod Rhyngolegol a Gŵyl y Gwyniad. Dyma'r tro cyntaf i mi recordio hefyd, ar eu CD "La La".

Between 1997-99, I was a guest artist for Ysbryd Chouchen. We had several successful gigs together, including at the National Eisteddfod, the Cnapan and Gwyniad Festivals, and the inter-varsity Eisteddfod. This was also my first recording experience, on their CD "La La".

Gweithdai a gwersi / Workshops and lessons

2011-11-23T04:31:00.000-08:00

Dros y blynyddoedd, rwyf wedi cymryd rhan mewn nifer o weithdai a sesiynnau gwerin. Rwyf hefyd wedi rhoi gwersi yn achlysurol. Rwyf yn agored i helpu gydag unrhyw gweithdy, neu cynnal sesiwn gwerin anffurfiol.

Mae fy arddul gwersi yn anffurfiol iawn. Mae'n nhw'n para tua 1 awr a hanner fel arfer, ac yn cymryd arddull "gweithdy" sydd yn canoli ar anghenion a dymuniadau cerddorol unigol y cerddor. Nid wyf yn (ac nid wyf yn gallu!) defnyddio copiau i ddysgu. Ond, rwyf yn berffaith hapus i gynorthwyo unigolion sydd yn darllen o gopi, yn enwedig os mai datblygu arddull mwy gwerinol / anffurfiol yw'r nod.

Over the years, I have taken part in a number of folk sessions and workshops. I occasionally provide tuition. I am available to help with any workshop, or to help add impetus to an informal folk session.

My teaching method is very informal. My lessons take a "workshop" approach, centering entirely on the individual needs and aspirations of each musician. I do not (and cannot!) use copies for teaching, although I am certainly competent to advise and help people who currently read from copy, particularly if the aim is to try and develop a more informal / folk style of performance.

Y gig gyntaf! The first gig!

2011-11-22T04:14:00.000-08:00

Noson o ganu'r hen glasuron protest Cymraeg ar y gitâr gyda Mair Tomos Ifans yn top y Cwps, Aberystwyth, Ebrill 1991.

An evening of singing the old Welsh protest songs on the guitar with Mair Tomos Ifans in the top of the Cooper's Arms, Aberystwyth, April 1991.

Ar Daith / On Tour: 2010

2011-11-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

GIGS – 2010

01/03/10 Three Rivers Hotel, Glanyfferi

15/05/10 Cyngerdd preifat, Penalun (Sir Benfro)

06/06/10 Eglwys Santes Fair, Porth Tywyn

15/06/10 Holiday Inn, Casnewydd

07/07/10 Prifysgol Abertawe

10/07/10 De Valance, Dinbych y Pysgod

11/08/10 Cyngerdd preifat, Dihewyd, Ceredigion

19/08/10 Cilymaenllwyd, Pwll

??/08/10 Hafan y Coed, Llanelli

??/08/10 Cartref, Henllan

??/08/10 Cilwendeg, Boncath

02/09/10 Plas y Môr, Porth Tywyn

23/09/10 Castell Tywi, Upland Arms

24/09/10 Canolfan Dydd Dyffryn Teifi, Castell Newydd Emlyn

28/09/10 Cartref, Henllan

29/09/10 Cae Maen, Llanelli

04/10/10 Plas y Môr, Porth Tywyn

07/10/10 Gorffwysfa, Bryncoch (Castell-nedd)

15/10/10 Brynmarlais, Arberth

22/10/10 Falcondale, Llanbedr Pont Steffan

26/10/10 Woodfield, Arberth

27/10/10 Plas y Dderwen, Caerfyrddin

27/10/10 Hafod, Castell-nedd

28/10/10 Allt y Mynydd, Llanybydder

29/10/10 Neuadd yr Eglwys, Castell Newydd Emlyn

01/11/10 Brondesbury Lodge, Aberteifi

03/11/10 Y Canolfan Dydd, Castell Newydd Emlyn

07/11/10 Dôl y Felin, San Clêr

07/11/10 Castle View, Llawhaden

08/11/10 Arwelfa, Cymmer (Cwm Afan)

09/11/10 Cae Maen, Llanelli

11/11/10 Taibach Residential Home, Taibach

15/11/10 Cwrt yr Enfys, Ystradgynlais

17/11/10 Neuadd Drymmau, Sgiwen

19/11/10 Perfformiad Stryd, Caerfyrddin

19/11/10 Plas y Môr, Porth Tywyn

22/11/10 Cartref, Henllan

22/11/10 Tremle, Pencader

23/11/10 Y George, Porth Tywyn

29/11/10 Trem y Glyn, Glyn-nedd

30/11/10 Y Capel, Hermon

1/12/10 Hafan y Coed, Llanelli

1/12/10 Williamston House, Houghton (Sir Benfro)

02/12/10 Y Canolfan Dydd, Cae Maen, Llanelli

02/12/10 Dôl y Felin, San Clêr

03/12/10 Mîn yr Afon, Cwmafan

06/12/10 Morfa Afan, Port Talbot

07/12/10 Pencaerau, Castell-nedd

08/12/10 Cae Maen, Llanelli

08/12/10 Mîn yr Afon, Cwmafan

08/12/10 Perfformiad Stryd, Caerfyrddin

09/12/10 Park View, Castell-nedd

10/12/10 Y Clwb Hwylio, Glanyfferi

15/12/10 Woodfield, Arberth

16/12/10 Y Plas, Felinfoel

Yn Ebrill 2010, cefais fy hun yn ol yn bysgio'n llawn-amser ar y strydoedd am y tro cyntaf ers Rhagfyr 2005. Roedd cytundeb gwaith gyda'r Disability Law Service wedi dod i ben, ac roeddwn unwaith eto'n ddibynol ar y delyn, ac yn gwneud ceisiadau swydd. Ym mis Awst, clywais Heather Jones yn siarad ar y radio ynglyn a'i pherfformiadau mewn cartrefi henoed. A minnau'n cael pethau'n anodd gyda'r bysgio, fe es innau ati i lythyru llawer o gartrefi yn ne orllewin Cymru, ac felly dyma cyfres newydd o gynherddau rheolaidd. Ar 23/11/10 cefais fy nhelyn deires, a'i perfformio ar yr un noson yn nhafarn y George, Porth Tywyn.

In April 2010, I found myself busking full-time on the streets for the first time since December 2005. My work contract with the Disability Law Service had come to an end. I was once again dependent on the harp, and trying to file job applications. In August, I heard Heather Jones on the radio talking about her performances in care homes. As I was struggling with the busking, I went about writing to various care homes in south west Wales, and thus started a new series of concerts. On 23/11/10 I was given my triple harp, and I performed it on the same evening at the George pub in Burry Port.

Ar Daith / On Tour: 2008

2011-11-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

GIGS – 2008

27/02/08 Sefydliad y Glöwyr, Y Coed Duon

Diolch i Fenter Iaith Caerffili am sicrhau nad oedd 2008 yn cwbl moel o ran gigs! Erbyn hyn roeddwn yn swyddog prosiect llawn amser gyda Cadwch Gymru'n Daclus, ac yn dad!

Thanks to Caerffili Language Enterprise for ensuring that 2008 wasn't wholly devoid of gigs! By now, I was a full-time project officer with Keep Wales Tidy, and a dad!

Ar Daith / On Tour: 2007

2011-11-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

GIGS – 2007

25/01/07 Sefydliad y Glöwyr, Y Coed Duon

27/01/07 Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor (Gweithdy CLERA)

14/02/07 King’s Hall Carvery, Aberystwyth

Aeth y delyn mas o'r ffenest eleni! Canolbwyntio'n llwyr ar fy ngwaith gyda Golwg (gan gynnwys Etholiad Cynulliad ym mis Mai), symud ty o Gaerdydd i Borth Tywyn ym mis Awst, a disgwyl ein plentyn cyntaf, Heledd, a ganwyd ar Rhagfyr 6ed.

The harp went out of the window this year! Focused fully on my work with Golwg, including the National Assembly elections in May; Moving house from Cardiff to Burry Port in August, and expecting our first child, Heledd, who was born on December 6th.

Ar Daith / On Tour: 2006

2011-11-09T16:26:00.000-08:00

GIGS – 2006

13/01/06 Eglwys St. Paul’s, Poynton

11/02/06 Rhos y Gilwern, Cilgerran

03/03/06 Y Goodrich, Caerffili

23/03/06 Clwb y Bont, Pontypridd

20/04/06 Yr Eglwys Fethodistaidd, Llwynypia

17/06/06 Eglwys Penrice, Gŵyr

15/07/06 Sefydliad y Glöwyr, Y Coed Duon

16/07/06 Gwesty’r Tower, Jersy Marine

29/07/06 Eglwys Undodaidd Prince’s Street, Corc

11/08/06 Eglwys St. Paul, Abertawe

12/08/06 Castell Ffonmon, Bro Morgannwg

19/08/06 Abbey Hotel, Tindyrn

Tawelodd y perfformio wedi i mi gychwyn fy swydd gyda chylchgrawn Golwg. Ond cafwyd un perfformiad cofiadwy ar ddechrau'r flwyddyn, yn angladd fy mamgu ("Nanny") yn Poynton - gofynnwyd i mi ganu'r emyn "Lord of the Dance" yn ystod y gwasanaeth. Er bod hwn yn gwahanol iawn i'm repertoire Cymraeg arferol, dyma un o'r perfformiadau rwyf mwyaf falch ohoni erioed.

The gigs quietened again after I started my job with Golwg magazine. But I had one memorable performance at the start of the year, at my Nanny's funeral in Poynton, Cheshire. I was asked to sing the hymn "Lord of the Dance" during the service. Although this was outside my regular Welsh repertoire, it is one of the performances of which I am most proud.

Ar Daith / On Tour: 2005

2011-11-09T16:20:00.000-08:00

GIGS – 2005

14/02/05 King’s Hall Carvery, Aberystwyth

21/03/05 Sesiwn “Bandit”, S4C (gyda SKEP)

04/07/05 Exton Hall, Exton, Rutland

23/07/05 Capel Seion, Baker Street, Aberystwyth

27/08/05 Falcondale, Llanbedr Pont Steffan

02/09/05 Eglwys Saint Michael, Marseille

17/09/05 Castle Hotel, Aberhonddu

26/09/05 Egerton Grey, Porthceri

27/09/05 Sesiwn fyw, BBC Radio Cymru

01/10/05 Celtic Manor, Casnewydd

05/11/05 Capel Minny Street, Caerdydd

05/11/05 Manor Parc, Caerdydd

25/11/05 Yr Amgueddfa Werin, Sain Ffagan

25/11/05 Theatr yr Ysgol, Trefynwy

26/11/05 Plas Llancaiach, Llancaiach Fawr

27/11/05 Gŵyl Goleuadau Nadolig, Ledbury

07/12/05 Callaghan’s, Caerdydd

10/12/05 Llansantffraid Court, Clytha

Yn sydyn iawn, wedi dwy flynedd o waith academaidd cyflogedig, roeddwn yn ol ar y stryd yn bysgio - tipyn o sioc i'r sustem. Ond roedd fy nghytundebau byr yn Aberystwyth wedi dirwyn i ben, a bu'n rhaid sefydlogi unwaith eto fel telynor, tra'n chwilio am swydd newydd. Roedd yn chwech mis caled iawn, o bysgio a geisio am swyddi nes i mi gael fy mhenodi fel gohebydd Cynulliad Cylchgrawn Golwg yn Rhagfyr 2005.

After two years of paid academic employment, I was back on the streets in July 2005, which was a bit of a shock to the system. But my short-term academic contracts in Aberystwyth had come to an end, and I had to re-group as a harpist, whilst also looking for new jobs. It was a tough six months of busking and making job applications, until I was appointed as National Assembly corrspondent for Golwg magazine in December 2005.

Ar Daith / On Tour: 2004

2011-11-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

GIGS – 2004

28/01/04 Castell Caerdydd

14/02/04 King’s Hall Carvery, Aberystwyth

07/05/04 Neuadd y Pentref, Penrhyncoch

29/05/04 Capel Minny Street, Caerdydd

??/??/04 The Goat Major, Caerdydd

??/??/04 Sesiwn fyw, WMMT FM, Whitesburg, Kentucky.

20/11/04 Yr Eglwys, Croesoswallt

Pylodd y delyn i'r cefndir eleni, wrth i nifer o bethau eraill digwydd yn fy mywyd. Gorffenwyd y PhD yng Nghaerdydd (o'r diwedd!), tra roeddwn yn ymgymryd a phrosiect ymchwil yn Aberystwyth. Uchafbwynt eleni oedd canu "Y Deryn Pur" ar ddechrau gwasanaeth priodas Kathryn a Minnau yng Nghapel Minny Street, Caerdydd. Rwyf yn dal i son am yr achlysur honno yn fy nghyngherddau heddiw, pryd bynnag rwy'n canu'r gan yna.

The harp faded into the background this year, as several other things were going on in my life. The PhD in Cardiff was finished (at last!), at the same time as I was also engaged in a research project in Aberystwyth. Th eharping highlight of the year was singing "Y Deryn Pur" at me and Kathryn's wedding. I still refer back to that occasion whenever I sing "Y Deryn Pur" in a gig.

Ar Daith / On Tour: 2003

2011-11-09T15:56:00.000-08:00

GIGS – 2003

10/02/03 Sesiwn fyw, Reasonance FM, Llundain

16/02/03 Clwb Gwerin Ynysddu

18/02/03 Sesiwn fyw, BBC Radio Cymru

22/02/03 Miskin Manor, Meisgyn

28/02/03 Y Ganolfan Hamdden, Tylorstown

28/02/03 Maes Manor, Y Coed Duon

03/04/03 Sesiwn fyw, Wedi 7, S4C

10/05/03 Ysgol Gyfun Y Barri

02/06/03 Tafarn Capel, Gilfach Fargoed

11/07/03 Pabell y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol, Eisteddfod Rhyngwladol Llangollen

12/07/03 Neuadd y Pentref,Llangwm (Sir Fynwy)

02/08/03 Y Capel, Abermeurig

16/08/03 Eglwys Sant Andreas, Dinas Powys

29/08/03 Gwesty Dewi Sant, Bae Caerdydd

20/09/03 Y Swyddfa Cofrestr, Cathays

20/12/03 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

Blwyddyn arall eithaf tawel. Ces fy mhenodi i swydd ymchwil newydd ym Medi 2003 - felly dyma diwedd o gyfnod hir o bysgio ar gyfer y PhD. Serch hynny, cafwyd cymysgedd ddifyr o gigs: y sesiwn ar Reasonance FM yn Llundain (yng nghwmni'r telynor Rhodri Davies). Roedd hefyd yn fraint i ganu'r delyn ym mhriodas fy annwyl ffrindiau Andrew a Ffion yn Abermeurig, Ceredigion, yng nghapel y pentref a chafodd ei hatgyweirio'n unswydd ganddynt ar gyfer eu diwrnod mawr!

Another fairly quiet year. I was appointed to a new research post in 2003 - so began the end of my time busking for my PhD. However, I had an interesting variety of gigs - a live session on Reasonance FM in the company of my friend, the harpist Rhodri Davies. It was also a priviledge to be the harpist for the wedding of my dear friends Andrew and Ffion at Abermeurig, Ceredigion - in the village chapel that had been refurbished by the couple especially for their big day.

Ar Daith / On Tour: 2002

2011-11-09T15:52:00.001-08:00

GIGS – 2002

28/01/02 Canolfan “Meeting Point”, Llys-faen

31/01/02 Ysgolion Caerffili

28/02/02 Buffs, Brynmawr

16/06/02 Chattery Cafe, Abertawe

09/07/02 Eglwys Llandochau (Angladd)

13/07/02 Y Sioe Amaethyddol, Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr

14/07/02 Y Sioe Amaethyddol, Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr

27/07/02 Castell Coch, Caerdydd

27/07/02 Clwb Golff Morlais, Merthyr Tudful

27/07/02 Cyngerdd Preifat, Sir Fynwy

29/07/02 Sesiwn fyw, “P’nawn Da”, S4C

24/08/02 Mansion House, Caerdydd

29/08/02 Tŷ Mawr, Brechfa

30/11/02 Gwesty’r Angel, Y Fenni

05/12/02 Ysgolion Sir Caerffili

Erbyn hyn, roedd y PhD yn ei hanterth. Bysgio'n unigol, yn hytrach na gigio, oedd yn mynd a'm bryd bron yn llwyr erbyn hyn, gan mae bysgio oedd yn cynnig y ffordd mwyaf hyblyg o godi arian o amgylch fy astudiaethau.

By now, the PhD was in full flow. As a result, it was solo busking, rather than gigs, which became my main focus, as busking offered the most flexible manner of raising money around my studies.

Ar Daith / On Tour: 2001

2011-11-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

GIGS – 2001

15/01/01 Canolfan “Meeting Point”, Llys-faen

29/01/01 Ysgolion Sir Caerffili

31/01/01 Ysgolion Sir Caerffili

15/02/01 Ysgolion Sir Caerffili

28/02/01 Ysgol Hendredeni, Caerffili

01/03/01 Canolfan St. Paul’s, Llanelli

01/03/01 Tŷ Olwen, Ysbyty Treforys

01/03/01 “Buffs”, Brynmawr

17/03/01 Canolfan Bowlio Sully (Anthemau Cenedlaethol Cymru a’r Alban cyn gem bowlio rhyngwladol / National anthems before an international bowls match)

28/04/01 Llys Gwenllian, Cydweli

10/05/01 Sefydliad y Glöwyr, Y Coed Duon

18/05/01 Goodfella’s, Blaina

28/05/01 Merlin’s, Ystradgynlais

Mehefin 2001 “Britfest”, Hambwrg

09/06/01 Coed y Mwstwr, Pen-y-Bont

09/06/01 St Mary’s Hotel, Bro Morgannwg

18/06/01 Canolfan “Meeting Point”, Llys-faen

30/06/01 Canolfan Gregynog

21/07/01 Great Malvern Hotel, Great Malvern

28/07/01 Gwesty’r Bae, Caerdydd

25/08/01 Capel y Crwys, Caerdydd

01/09/01 Llety Parc, Aberystwyth

21/09/01 Clwb y Bont, Pontypriddd

25/10/01 Talisman, Brynmawr

30/10/01 Castell Tretower

07/11/01 Tŷ Olwen, Ysbyty Treforys

07/11/01 Tŷ Mawr, Brechfa

12/12/01 Tŷ Olwen, Ysbyty Treforys

Uchafbwynt telyn eleni oedd cael gwahoddiad i berfformio yn "Britfest", Hambwrg, Yr Almaen (er i mi dioddef o ddanodd poenus ar y llong draw yno!). Nol yng Nghymru, wnes i ddechrau cael tipyn o waith gyda'r mentrau iaith yn ne-ddwyrain Cymru, ac hefyd gyda'r "Friends of Caerphilly Music" i deithio o gwmpas ysgolion Sir Caerffili. Ambell i gyngerdd cofiadwy gyda plant o oedran 4-16!

The harping highlight of 2001 was being invited over to "Britfest" street festival in Hamburg, Germany (even though I had a very painful toothache on the ferry from Harwich). Back in Wales, i started to get a bit of work from the Welsh language enterprises in south east Wales, and also with "Friends of Caerphilly Music", who funded me to tour round many of the schools in that county. Several memorable gigs with children aged 4-16!

Ar Daith / On Tour: 2000

2011-11-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

GIGS - 2000

01/03/00 Canolfan Dydd St. Pauls, Llanelli

01/03/00 Tŷ Olwen, Ysbyty Treforys

05/04/00 Canolfan Graddedigion, Prifysgol Caerdydd

17/04/00 Sesiwn fyw, “P’nawn Da”, S4C

29/04/00 Gwesty’r Manor, Crughywel

01/07/00 Y Gŵyl Bysgio, Porthcawl

08/08/00 Fflimio “Cerdd y Cymry” yn Llanelli

01/09/00 Gwesty Glyn Clydach, Castell-nedd

07/09/00 Stadiwm y Mileniwm, Caerdydd

06/10/00 Three Arches, Y Waun, Caerdydd

25/10/00 Tŷ Olwen, Ysbyty Treforys

13/11/00 Tŷ Olwen, Ysbyty Treforys

23/11/00 Tŷ Olwen, Ysbyty Treforys

11/12/00 The Rolling Mill, Cwmafan

12/12/00 Gwesty’r Hilton, Caerdydd

13/12/00 Tŷ Olwen, Ysbyty Treforys

Dyma blwyddyn tawelach i mi, wedi'r holl ymwneud gyda phrosiectau eraill ar y delyn yn ystod 1998/99. Yn 2000 bu i mi ganolbwyntio'n llwyr ar y PhD ac ar fysgio fel telynor unigol. O ganlyniad, wrth edrych nol, bu i mi ymbellhau'n anfwriadol o 'bethau' y byd gwerin yng Nghymru. Roedd y cyfres o gynherddau bach yn Nhŷ Olwen (sef adain gofal ar gyfer cleifion Cancr yn Nhreforys) yn achlysuron dymunol a heddychlon iawn, er gwaethaf cyflwr difrifol rhai o'r cleifion.

This was a much quieter gigging year for me, after all the activity with various harp projects around 1998-99. From now on, my focus was on the PhD, and busking solo. Looking back, I also became unintentionally distanced from the folk scene in Wales. However, the series of small performances in Tŷ Olwen (a cancer respite wing of Morriston Hospital) were always pleasant and peaceful occasions, despite the serious condition of some of the patients.

Adolygiad CD / CD Review

2011-11-01T17:18:00.001-07:00

Rwy'n ddiolchgar i Rod Stradling o gylchgrawn ar-lein "Musical Traditions", am ei beirniadaeth cytbwys a chynhwysfawr o'm CD, "Alawon o'r Stryd". Mae ei sylwadau'n help mawr wrth imi ddatblygu fy arddull a thechneg ar y delyn.

I am grateful to Rod Stradling of the on-line magazine "Musical Traditions", for his balanced and thorough review of my CD, "Alawon o'r Stryd". His observations are a great help as I try and develop my style and technique on the harp.

Yn y gweithdy / Woodshedding

2011-10-25T08:36:00.001-07:00

+++Bilingual post, please scroll down +++

Croeso!

Rwyf yn gweithio'n galed i ail-gychwyn gyrfa fel telynor gwerin proffesiynol. Rwyf yn ceisio adlewyrchu hynny trwy ail-wampio fy ngwefan.

Ar hyn o byd, mae fy ngyrfa, a'r gwefan, yn ymdebygu'n fwy i weithdy yn hytrach nag adeilad gorffenedig!

Er 'mod i wedi bod yn berfformio gyda'r delyn ers 20 mlynedd, dyma'r tro cyntaf i mi feddwl o ddifrif am gyrfa hir-dymor ar yr offeryn.

Rwyf yn delynor lled profiadol. Rwyf wedi perfformio ar y stryd ymhell dros 1,000 o weithiau, ac wedi cynnal dwsinau lawer o berfformiadau byw.

Serch hynny, mae'n debyg 'mod i wedi tangyflawni i ryw raddau ar y delyn. Bellach, mae fy sefyllfa gwaityh wedi newid, ac mae gen i gyfle sefydlu rhaglen o waith mewn cynherddau ysgafn a datganiadau telyn ar draws Cymru a thu hwnt.

Yn rhan o'r broses yma, rwyf yn diweddaru fy ngwefan. Rwyf am i'r wefan adlewyrchu fy hanes fel telynor ers 1991, yn ogystal a fod yn hafan o wybodaeth ar gyfer fy ngweithgareddau yn y dyfodol.

Un peth sy'n sicr, rwyf yn mynd i aros yn dryw i ffurf y blog, am dri rheswm. Yn gyntaf, am ei fod yn rhwydd! Yn ail, am fy mod wedi ennill cystadleuaeth y blog yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Wrecsam, 2011 - sbardun perffaith i ddal ati i flogio.

Yn drydydd, am fod blogio yn ffordd o anrhydeddu fy niweddar Dad (Jim Fowler), a farwodd eleni. Roedd ei blog "Maalie" yn gofnod difyr o'i bywyd fel naturiaethwr a theithiwr brwdfrydig. Felly mae blogio felly'n ffordd syml o gadw'r dilyniant blogio o dad i mab.

Roedd Dad yn eithriadol o gefnogol i'm gyrfa fel telynor. Un o'i gweithgareddau olaf ar fy rhan oedd prynnu fy nhelyn deires, yng ngweithdy Alun Thomas, Sir Benfro, yn Nhachwedd 2010.

Cymerwch eiliad felly i gael cipolwg ar y wefan: hanes fy mherfformio o'r gorffenol (wedi ei diweddaru o 1991 i 1999, hyd yma); y ffrwd Trydar (Twitter) difyr sy'n adlewyrchu fy ngweithgareddau a chynllwyniau heddiw, a'r rhestr uchelgeisiol o gyngherddau ar gyfer y misoedd i ddod.

Welcome!

I am working hard to re-establish a career as a semi-professional folk harpist. I am reflecting this by re-vamping my website.

At the moment, my harping career, and the website, looks more like a workshop than a finished building!

Although I have been performing on the harp for 20 years, this is the first time that I have seriously considered a long-term future on the harp.

I am a reasonably experienced folk harper.. I have conducted well in excess of1,000 performances on the street, plus dozens of organised concerts gigs.

Despite this, my focus on a career in academic and applied research has meant that I have under-acheived in terms of being a harpist. Now, with a change in my working life, I have an opportunity to develop a programme of work in light concerts and recitals across Wales, and occasionally beyond Offa's Dyke.

As part of this process, I am updating my website. I wish the website to reflect my career since 1991, as well as being the on-line home for my future activities.

One thing is certain - I will stay faithful to the blog format, for three reasons. First, because it is easy! Second, because I won the Blog competition in the literature section at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham this year: the best possible encouragement to keep on blogging!

Third, because blogging is a nice little hat-tip to my late father, Jim Fowler, who died earlier this year. My Dad was a great supporter of my harping, and one of his last major actions on my behalf was to purchase my triple harp, at the workshop of Alun Thomas in Pembrokeshire in November 2010. (It was Dad who took the picture at the top of this page).

His blog "Maalie" was a lively account of his exploits as a biologist and a keen traveller. Blogging is therefore a natural way of passing the baton on from father to son.

So, please take a minute then to browse the site: the history of my performances gone by (updated from 1991-99 so far), the Twitter feed reflecting my acurrent activities and machinations, and the ambitious list of gigs in the months ahead. Enjoy!

Tlws Coffa John Weston Thomas Memorial Prize

2011-10-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yr Ail Wobr - Second Prize, Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Wrecsam, 2011.

Cyflwyniad / Introduction

2011-10-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Carwyn Tywyn, telynor / harpist.

Offerynnau / Instruments

Telyn Deires / Triple harp: Bassett Jones, Caerdydd-Cardiff (adnewyddwyd gan / restored by Alun Thomas, Abergwaun-Fishguard)

Telyn pen-glin / Knee harp: Stoney End, Minnesota.

Offerynnau eraill / Other instruments: gitar acwstig, ukelele, llais / acoustic guitar, ukelele, vocals.

Cyhoeddiadau / Discography

2011: "Carwyn Tywyn: Alawon o'r Stryd" (CD, gydag artistiaid gwadd Imogen O' Rourke a Dan Morris) (CALC)

2010: "Carwyn Tywyn: Carolau o'r Stryd" (CD) (CALC)

2004: Telyn ar albym Skep: "Ctrl-S" (DOCKRAD)

1998: Telyn ar albym Fynnon "Debateable Lands"

1997: Telyn ar albym Ysbryd Chouchen "La La" (SAIN)

Gwobrau / Prizes

2011: 2ail Wobr, Tlws Coffa John Weston Thomas, Yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, Wrecsam / 2nd Prize, John Weston Thomas Memorial Prize, the National Eisteddfod, Wrexham.

Perfformiadau teledu dethol / Selected TV Performances

Bandit, i-dot, Cerdd y Cymry, Wedi 3, Wedi 7.

Perfformiadau radio /Radio performances

Radio Ceredigion, Radio Clyde (Glasgow), Radio Cymru, Radio Wales, Reasonance FM (Llundain-London), WMMT (Kentucky).

Perfformiadau byw dethol / Selected live performances

2011: Tafarn y Llong, Llangrannog (yn cefnogi / support: Yr Hwntws)

2009: Perfformiad yn y Senedd, Bae Caerdydd, i nodi ymddeoliad y Gwir. Anrh. Rhodri Morgan A.C. fel Prif weinidog Cymru / Senedd, Cardiff Bay, to mark the retirement of Rt. Hon. Rhodri Morgan as First Minister of Wales.

2001: "Britfest" Hambwrg / Hamburg

1998: Gwyl y Gwyniad (Y Bala) (gyda / with Ysbryd Chouchen)

1997: Gwyliau "Ffidlan" (Y Bala) a "Lowender Perran" (Cernyw / Cornwall)

1997, 98, 99: Gwyl Werin y Cnapan (gyda / with Ysbryd Chouchen)

1993, 95, 96: Y Gyngres Geltaidd / Celtic Congress (Inverness, Lorient, Bangor).

20 mlynedd fel telynor! 1991 - 2011

2011-10-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

Ar Daith / On Tour: 1999

2011-10-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

GIGS - 1999

08/10/99 Clwb y Bont, Pontypridd (Ysbryd Chouchen)

30/01/99 Oxwich Bay, Gŵyr.

27/02/99 Y Neuadd Gymuned, Penclawdd

01/03/99 Ysgol Erw’r Delyn, Penarth

05/03/99 Cyngerdd Preifat: Margaret Waters, Swydd Henffordd

07/03/99 Neuadd y Seiri Rhyddion, Rhisga

19/03/99 Oxwich Bay, Gŵyr

04/04/99 Y King’s, Casnewydd

17/04/99 Y Maes Manor, Y Coed Duon

01/07/99 Plas Nanteos, Aberystwyth

10/07/99 Gŵyl Werin y Cnapan (Ysbryd Chouchen)

07-08/08/99 Y Gŵyl Bysgio, Porthcawl

14/08/99 Y Plasdy, Llancaiach

05/09/99 Allt yr Ynys, Y Fenni

07/10/99 Canolfan y Graddedigion, Prifysgol Caerdydd

09-10/10/99 Gŵyl Cocos a Cheltiaid, Abertawe

20/10/99 Tŷ Olwen, Treforys

30/10/99 Castell Coch a Chastell Caerdydd

04/11/99 Tŷ Olwen, Treforys

01/12/99 Tŷ Olwen, Treforys

16/12/99 Tŷ Olwen, Treforys

Heb unrhyw amheuaeth, dyma oedd fy nghyfnod anoddaf fel telynor llawn-amser. Doedd y PhD ddim i'w weld yn arwain at unrhyw gyfeiriad o werth, ac roeddwn yn cael amser caled yn ariannol. Roedd deffro pob bore ar gyfer bysgio yn mynd yn straen, ac roeddwn yn byw gyda chriw o chyfeillion lle roedd gormod o demtasiwn i potsian o gwmpas, yn hytrach na gweithio.Roeddwn wedi cael fy hunan mewn i picil go iawn. Rhywsut, yng ngwanwyn 1999, llwyddodd fy niweddar Dad i'm perswadio i ddal ati gyda'r astudiaethau. Wedyn, yn Awst 1999 bu i'm cariad, Kathryn a minnau, penderfynnu byw gyda'n gilydd am y tro cyntaf, yn ardal Cathays. Wedi chwilio cartref mwy sefydlog, dyma oedd y trobwynt pwysicaf ar gyfer y PhD. Llwyddais hefyd i ail-gychwyn y momentwm yn ystod Hydref 1999. Un nodyn o dristwch: o gwmpas Hydref 1998, roeddwn wedi dechrau synhwyro ychydig o densiwn ymhlith aelodau Ysbryd Chouchen. Ces i ddim esboniad agored, ond erbyn Gwyl Cnapan 1999 daeth yn weddol amlwg bod cnewyllyn y grwp am newid y cyfeiriad cerddorol, ac fe ddaeth y gigs gydag Ysbryd Chouchen i ben ar ol dwy flynedd hapus gyda'r grwp. Fodd bynnag, rwyf yn ddiolchgar o hyd, yn enwedig i "Huw M" am y cyfleuoedd a daeth i'm rhan gydag Ysbryd Chouchen rhwng 1997-99.

Without question, 1999 was my most difficult year as a full-time harpist. The PhD seemed to be drifting, and I was having a hard time financially. Waking up every morning to go busking was becoming a strain, and I was living with a crew of friends where there was too much temptation to mess around rather than knuckle down to work. Somehow, in spring 1999, my late father persuaded me to stick at the studies. Then, in August 1999, my girlfriend Kathryn and I decided to move in together for the first time, in the Cathays area of Cardiff. Finding a settled home was the most important turning point of the PhD, and I managed to regain momentum with the busking as well during the Autumn. One sad note: during the end of 1998 I had started to sense tension within the ranks of Ysbryd Chouchen. I never really received a full explanation, but it became clear that the nucleus of the group wished to change musical direction. It became apparent that my gig at the 1999 Cnapan Festival would be my last with the group, after two happy years with them. Nevertheless, I am very grateful to Ysbryd Chouchen, especially "Huw M" for the opportunities that came my way during 1997-99.

Ar Daith / On Tour: 1998

2011-10-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

1998- GIGS

31/01/98 Y Castell, Cil-y-Coed

05/02/98 SEISWN: I-DOT (Ysbryd Chouchen)

06/02/98 Capel Crwys, Caerdydd

14/02/98 Tŷ Mawr, Brechfa

27/02/98 Gig preifat, Ffordd Cwellyn, Caerdydd

28/02/98 Neuadd Pendeulwyn (Dawnswyr Cwm Rhondda)

07/03/98 Yr Eglwys Norwyaidd, Caerdydd (Ffynnon)

13/03/98 Tafarn y Cŵps, Aberystwyth (Ysbryd Chouchen)

14/04/98 Y Castell, Cil-y-Coed

18/04/98 Yr Eglwys Pabyddol, Y Bont Faen

28/04/98 Neuadd Pontyclun (Dawnswyr Cwm Rhondda)

02/05/98 Orendy Margam (Dawnswyr Cwm Rhondda)

06/05/98 Y Ganolfan Hyfforddi, Glyn-nedd

15/05/98 Sesiwn Fach San Clêr

30/05/98 Y Castell, Caerffili

20/06/98 Gŵyl Stryd, Caerfyrddin

08/07/98 Eisteddfod Rhyngwladol Llangollen (Dawnswyr Nantgarw)

11/07/98 Gŵyl Werin y Cnapan (Ysbryd Chouchen)

18/07/98 Y Countryman, Y Coed Duon

19/07/98 Y Castell, Cil-y-Coed

01/08/98 Neuadd y Sir, Caerdydd

29-30/08/98 Y Gŵyl Fictorianaidd, Llandrindod

05/09/98 Y Chainbridge, Llangollen

11/09/98 Neuadd Buddug, Y Bala (Ysbryd Chouchen)

12/09/98 Gŵyl y Gwyniad, Y Bala

19/09/98 Y Maes Manor, Y Coed Duon

05/10/98 Maindee, Casnewydd

17/10/98 Y Castell, Cil-y-Coed

03/12/98 Plas Dolguog, Machynlleth

Erbyn hyn, roedd crwydro gyda'r delyn wedi dod yn ffordd o fyw, ochr yn ochr a'm astudiaethau ymchwil. Yn ystod gwanwyn 1998 roeddwn yn derbyn cynigion amrywiol gan grwpiau dawns a gwerin o gwmpas de Cymru, a pharhaodd y gigs gydag Ysbryd Chouchen. Ces i gwahoddiad hefyd i ymuno gyda grwp Ffynnon. Wrth edrych yn ol, mae'n debyg mae dyma'r cyfnod lle y gallwn fod wedi penderfynu ar gyrfa fel cerddor gwerin, a hepgor fy astudiaethau'n llwyr - ond doedd hynny byth yn opsiwn mewn gwirionedd, a byddai wedi golygu na fyddwn wedi mwynhau fy llwyddiant cymharol yn y byd academaidd - sef fy mhrif flaenoriaeth ar y pryd. Ond, roedd efallai'n gamgymeriad i mi ymadael a grwp Ffynnon (am ddim rheswm pendant, am wn i). Rhai blynyddoedd wedi i mi fod yn aelod, (ac efallai oherwydd i mi gadael!) aeth y grwp ymlaen i gael tipyn o lwyddiant rhyngwladol.

By now, rambling with the harp had become a settled way of life, alongside my research studies. By Spring 1998, I received a number of offers from dance groups and folk groups across south Wales, and the gigs with Ysbryd Chouchen continued. I was also invited to join the contemporary group, Ffynnon. Looking back, this is the time where I possibly could have decided on a career as a folk harpist, and thrown everything at this activity at the expense of my studies. However, this was never an option at the time, and it would have cost me my brief but fairly successful academic career in political studies, which was always my main priority. Although, in retrospect, it was perhaps a mistake to discontinue my activity with Ffynnon (for no specific reason, as I recall). Some years after I drifted away from Ffynnon (and perhaps because of my departure!) the group went on to have quite a bit of success on the international stage.

Ar Daith / On Tour: 1997

2011-10-24T08:59:00.001-07:00

1997- GIGS

09/01/97 Capel y Gerlan, Y Borth

14/02/97 Gwesty Roxburghe, Caeredin

31/03/97 Gwesty Gliffaes, Powys

12/07/97 Gŵyl Werin y Cnapan, Ffostrasol (Ysbryd Chouchen)

15/07/97 Capel y Morfa, Aberystwyth

19/07/97 Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau (Ysbryd Chouchen)

01/08/97 Castell Ffonmon, Bro Morgannwg

05/08/97 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

08/08/97 Maes B, Yr Eisteddfod, Y Bala (Ysbryd Chouchen)

09/08/97 Eglwys St. William of York, Sheffield

10/08/97 Celtica, Machynlleth

11/08/97 SESIWN “Y GAREJ” (Ysbryd Chouchen)

12/08/97 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

19/08/97 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

21-23/08/97 Y Gŵyl Fictorianaidd, Llandrindod

26/08/97 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

28/08/97 Y Tabernacl, Machynlleth

09/09/97 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

10/09/97 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

18/09/97 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

27/09/97 Y Neuadd Fawr, Aberystywyth (Ysbryd Chouchen)

16-19/10/97 Lowender Perran, Perranporth (Dawnswyr Pen-y-Fai)

15/11/97 Y Castell, Caerdydd

02/12/97 Y Castell, Cil-y-Coed

06/12/97 Gŵyl Ffidlan, Y Bala

08/12/97 Sŵn y Don, Aberystwyth

25/12/97 Gwesty’r Marine, Aberystwyth

Rhywbryd ar ddechrau 1997, tra'n myfyriwr israddedig ym Mhrifysgol Strathclyde, cymerais penderfyniad fy mod i am ddilyn cwrs MPhil (wedyn PhD) yng Nghaerdydd, ar sail rhan-amser. Doedd dim cynllun o gwbl gennyf beth i'w wneud neu sut i'w hariannu - jyst troi lan i Gaerdydd ym mis Medi 1997 gyda thelyn a dau fag. Yn lwcus, tra 'roeddwn mewn tafarn yn Eisteddfod Y Bala, cwrddais hen gyfaill, Steffan Wiliam, a threfnu mynd i fyw gyda fe yn ardal Adamsdown y ddinas. Am ryw rheswm na fedra'i ddirnad heddiw, wnes i ddim ceisio chwilio am swydd "iawn" i ariannu fy PhD, ond yn hytrach penderfynu mynd o amgylch trefi de Cymru yn bysgio gyda'r delyn. Yn ystod yr haf, cwrddais a chriw o fyfyrwyr cerddorol o gwmpas goelcerth yng Ngwyl Werin y Cnapan. Roeddwn i yno gyda fy nhelyn, am fod gen i gweithdy i'w gynnal ar rhan y Cymdeithas Offerynnau Traddodiadol. Rhywsut, penderfynodd y criw ifanc yma fy mod i "on board" ac yn rhan o grwp "Ysbryd Chouchen", ac fe ddechreuodd siwrnau newydd yn fy hanes gyda'r delyn.

At some point at the beginning of 1997, as an undergrad student at Strathclyde, I decided that I wanted to follow an Mphil (and subsequently a PhD) in Cardiff, on a part-time basis. I had no plan what this entailed, or how I would fund it - I just turned up in Cardiff in September 1997 with two bags and my harp. Luckily, at the Eisteddfod in Bala, I had (literally!) bumped into an old friend, Steffan Wiliam, who offered me some digs at his house in the Adamsdown area of Cardiff. For some reason which I still can't fathom, I declined to find a "proper" job to fund my PhD, opting instead to travel around the towns of south Wales, busking with my harp. During the summer, I had also met a crew of musical students around the bonfire at the Cnapan Folk Festival in Ceredigion. I was there with my harp, having workshop duties to do on behalf of the Traditional Instruments' Society. Somehow, this young, hip crew decided that I was now "on board" as a member of Ysbryd Chouchen, and another new chapter started.

Ar Daith / On Tour: 1996

2011-10-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

1996 - GIGS

11/01/96 Capel y Gerlan, Y Borth

13/01/96 Cummings Hotel, Inverness

19/04/96 Undeb Myfyrwyr, Prifysgol Strathclyde

08/07/96 Gwesty’r Marine, Aberystwyth

09/07/96 Gwesty’r Four Seasons, Aberystwyth

13/07/96 Aberystwyth (Gwyl Stryd)

13/07/96 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

15/07/96 Gwesty’r Marine, Aberystwyth

20/07/96 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

25/07/96 Prifysgol Bangor (Y Gyngres Geltaidd)

10/08/96 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

17/08/96 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

24/08/96 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

26/08/96 Celtica, Machynlleth

31/08/96 Canolfan y Celfyddydau, Aberystwyth

14/09/96 Machynlleth (Gwyl Stryd y Canol Oesoedd)

14/09/96 Y Tabernacl, Machynlleth

24/09/96 Celtica, Machynlleth

30/11/96 GWEITHDY COTC, BANGOR

24/12/96 Wynnstay Arms, Machynlleth

26/12/96 Gwesty'r Marine, Aberystwyth

Blwyddyn cofiadwy. Dyma'r tro cyntaf i mi ddechrau ysgrifennu bant i geisio cael gwaith. Erbyn hyn, roeddwn wedi dod i nabod y telynor deires, Robin Huw Bowen, yn dda iawn. Rwy'n meddwl ei ddylanwad ef oedd wedi ysgogi'r syniad o fod yn delynor mwy 'proffesiynol' fy agwedd nag oeddwn wedi bod cyn hynny. Yn ffodus iawn, ces i gynnig cyfres o nosweithiau yn y Wynnstay Arms, sef prif gwesty tref Machynlleth. Tua'r adeg hynny dechreuais cysylltiad gyda chanolfan "Celtica" yn yr un dref. Roedd dau achlysur arall o bwys. Yn gyntaf, gig trwy'r nos ym Mhrifysgol Strathclyde (gweler y poster). Rwy'n cofio canu set gyda'r gitar gan fwyaf (yn cynnwys "Bells of Rhymney", o flaen llond dwrn o gynulleidfa am tua 3.00 y bore, a chael derbyniad gwresog. Yn Nhachwedd, wnes i dal tren o Glasgow i Fangor er mwyn mynychu gweithdy cyntaf Cymdeithas Offerynnau Traddodiadol Cymru (sef CLERA erbyn hyn). Yno roedd dau o'm prif ddylanwadau wrth y lliw - Robin Huw Bowen, a Stephen Rees (cynt o grwp Ar Log). Wrth edrych yn ol, roedd yr achlysur ym Mangor yn dipyn o hwb i gario 'mlaen mewn i 1997, a dechreuadau newydd...

A memorable year. This was the first time that I actively started writing away for gigs. By now, I had got to know the triple harpist, Robin Huw Bowen, very well, and I think it was his influence at the time that sparked the idea of becoming a bit more 'professional' in my approach than I had been, hitherto. Luckily, I was offered a series of gigs in the Wynnstay Arms, the main hotel in Machynlleth. I also started an association with the "Celtica" centre in the same town. There were two other events of note. First, an all-nighter gig at Strathclyde students' union (see poster). I played a mainly guitar set in front of a handful of very enthusiastic diehards (including "Bells of Rhymney", as I recall). In November, I caught the train from Glasgow to Bangor to attend the first ever workshop of The Society of Welsh Traditional Instruments (CLERA now). Of course, two of my main influences were amongst those in charge - Robin Huw Bowen, and Stephen Rees (formerly of Ar Log). Looking back, I think that the occasion in Bangor was a significant inspiration to carry on into 1997, and new beginnings...

Ar Daith / On Tour: 1995

2011-10-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

1995 - GIGS

05/01/95 Capel y Gerlan, Y Borth

13/05/95 Undeb Myfyrwyr, Prifysgol Stirling

12/07/05 Y Neuadd Gymuned, Y Borth

26-31/07/95 Lorient, Llydaw (Y Gyngres Geltaidd)

11/08/95 Plas Kinmel, Abergele (Cyn cyngerdd Dafydd Iwan a’r Band)

12/08/95 Gwesty’r Marine, Aberystwyth

19-20/08/95 Gwyl Fictorianaidd, Llandrindod

15/09/95 Neuadd Pantycelyn, Aberystwyth

09/95 Prifysgol Aberystwyth

08/11/95 Gwesty’r Charing Cross Tower, Glasgow

26/12/95 Gwesty’r Marine, Aberystwyth

Digwyddodd tri beth o ddiddordeb yn gigs eleni. Yn gyntaf, colli tiwnar fy nhelyn rhywle ym Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Stirling (13/05/95). Byth oddi ar hynny, rwyf wedi defnyddio un o'r rhain i diwnio fy nhelyn. Yr ail peth oedd cael caniatad gan fy hen arwr Dafydd Iwan i ganu'r delyn cyn ei gig yn wythnos yr Eisteddfod Abergele! Dyna hefyd oedd yr unig tro i mi ffawdheglu rhwng dau gig - o Abergele i Borthmadog, wedyn bws lawr i Fachynlleth a lifft o fan 'ni gan fy nhad yng nghyfraith. Y trydydd peth, ym mis Tachwedd, oedd cael gwahoddiad gan griw o ddynion busnes o Ynysoedd Aland i chwarae mewn noswaith i hybu masnach y wlad honno. Fy nau prif atgof yw "Svartbrod" (ryw fath o bara brith)...a chwrw!

Three things of note happened in this year's gigs. First, I lost my tuning key somewhere in Stirling Students Union. Ever since then, I have used one of these to tune my harp. The second thing was being allowed by my old hero, Dafydd Iwan, to play the harp at the before his gig in the National Eisteddfod week. This was also the only time I have hitch-hiked between gigs, from Abergele to Porthmadog and then a bus down toMachynlleth and a lift from there to Aberystwyth with my father-in-law. The third event, in November, was being invited to perform in a promotional night for the Aland Islands, in Glasgow. My two abiding memories of this night were "Svartbrod" (not dissimilar to bara brith), and...beer!