Dadeni

Following an incredibly busy period since the release of their first album 'Mae 'na Olau' (meaning 'There is Light') which won last year's Welsh Language Album of the Year award, Siân James, Gwenan Gibbard, Gwyneth Glyn and Meinir Gwilym are looking forward to sharing a collection of brand new songs. They are thrilled to be embarking on another exciting chapter in the history of the group, which has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences throughout Wales and beyond.

Pedair, with their sweeping harmonies, fresh interpretations of the Welsh folk tradition, and intimacy of songwriting became a source of comfort and hope to many during the complex days of lockdown and their numerous live performances over the last couple of years are a testament to their rising popularity. As the bond of friendship between them strengthens, so does the creative understanding that is so vital when collaborating as an ensemble. This has culminated in a new collection of songs which reflect life's journey over the past months. Sunset and dawn, sunshine and breezes, water, salt and fire... just a few of the elements that have been simmering in their cauldron since the release of their first album. Our worlds have seen great losses and changes since then, and it is frightening the way in which the world itself is changing...But this offering reminds us that each and every ending is a new beginning. When we stumble on stones, nature, sisterhood and love raise us back to our feet again.  

'Dadeni' (Renaissance), displays Pedair's unique gifts as Welsh folk song-tellers and their deftness as songwriters. The album takes us on an emotional journey from the dark depths of the soul to the joy of riding the crest of the wave, from darkness to light, from yesterday to today and onwards to every tomorrow.  

The album features new songs by Gwenan Gibbard, who is making a name for herself as a composer of original songs; 'Y Môr' (The Sea) and 'Rho dy Alaw' (Give me your melody) are two poignant and hopeful songs about finding strength and happiness again in the midst of life's challenges. The contemplative quietness of Meinir Gwilym's 'Machlud a Gwawr' (Sunset and dawn) is a striking contrast to her anthem 'Dos â Hi Adra' (Take her home), driven by Osian Huw Williams' drumming and Aled Wyn Hughes' (Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog) bass playing. Aled also co-produced the album, together with Pedair. Pedair are joined by three other musicians - Gwilym Bowen Rhys (mandolin), Patrick Rimes (fiddle and viola) and Gwern ap Gwyn (bass) - all three adding a new subtle layer, complementing the folk roots sound which is so central to the group's identity. 'O Blwy' Llanrwst' (From the parish of Llanrwst) is a melancholic arrangement, by Siân, of a nostalgic song from the collection of Lady Ruth Herbert Lewis of Welsh folk songs. Siân and Gwyneth co-wrote 'Golomen Wen' (White Dove), a timely song which expresses our deep yearning for peace.  

It is an honour for Pedair to include their arrangement of 'Dŵr, Halen a Thân' (Water, salt and fire) - composed by Dewi 'Pws' Morris, a friend and a bright star. Grief and loss is a recurrent theme in this album and reaches a climax in the powerful final track, 'Cerrig Mân' (Little stones), composed by Gwyneth Glyn. But dawn follows every sunset and that continuous circle reminds us that we need to embrace every new morning and realize that the good days are here, right now.   

Track Listing:

1 Rŵan Hyn
2 Haul ac Awel
3 Golomen Wen
4 Dos â Hi Adra
5 Galw D’Enw Di
6 Cartref
7 Y Môr
8 O Blwy’ Llanrwst
9 Rho dy Alaw
10 Machlud a Gwawr
11 Dŵr, Halen a Thân
12 Cerrig Mân