In 2024, Leeds-based septet Awen Ensemble delivered their remarkable debut, Cadair Idris, an album steeped in Welsh mythology. In his review, Gareth Thompson praised it as an audacious and promising debut, woven from modern jazz repertoires with a mythic folk essence. In one instance, he described their music as “Keith Jarrett’s more pastoral compositions for ECM meets Pentangle’s reunion classic Open The Door (Spindrift, 1985)”.
Having Welsh, Irish and Scottish roots in their lineup, they’ve been on something of a circular journey since, leading into Scottish folk history on their follow-up EP Dùthchas, and now they set sail for Ireland for their latest EP, The Walls Around Ballyfin, which will be self-released on September 9th; you can hear the title track below, which is out today.
Described as a forgotten folk song, this release brings new life to a tune written by drummer Eddie Bowes’s great-grandfather in County Laoise, Ireland. Although the lyrics remain, the original tune had been lost to time. Eddie and singer Amy Clark have reformed a gossamer melody with a timeless sensibility to marry with these inherited words.
Amy’s soft staccato shines through from the opening, joined by Joe Wilkes’ mesmeric bassline before Ruari Graham’s acoustic guitar and Glen Leach’s harmonium join on this enticing new offering.
To celebrate the release of the EP, Awen Ensemble will be performing live at The Cardigan Arms, Leeds on 13th September and Vortex Jazz Club in Dalston, London on September 17.
Awen Ensemble are:
Amy Clark – Vocals
Emyr Penry Dance – Trumpet
Saul Duff – Tenor Saxophone
Ruari Graham – Guitars
Glen Leach – Piano
Joe Wilkes – Upright Bass
Eddie Bowes – Drums
UK TOUR DATES
SEPT 3 – NOTTINGHAM – PEGGY’S SKYLIGHT
SEPT 13 – LEEDS – THE CARDIGAN ARMS
SEPT 17 – LONDON – VORTEX JAZZ CLUB
SEPT 22 – MANCHESTER – BRUME