Last updated: 21 February 2011
Newbridge's Welsh traditional band Allan Yn Y Fan have carved a reputation as one of the top Celtic-influenced bands on the 21st century, with three albums and international tours under their belt.
"We paid our first visit to Ireland in 1996, which resulted in us believing that our Welsh music could stand and up be counted alongside the better known Irish tradition," they explain.
Allan Yn Y Fan's subsequent international touring experience includes Germany, France, Czech Republic and Luxembourg, while during the past decade AYYF has also performed all over Britain and Ireland.
Their third album, Trosnant, was released in summer 2009 on Steam Pie Records. "It's got 12 tracks, containing original compositions by band members, new interpretations of some of the treasures of Welsh traditional song, plus our own reworkings of tunes from beyond the border," says the band's Geoff Cripps.
Allan Yn Y Fan's previous two albums, Off The Map (2003) and Belonging (2006), were very well received by audiences and critics from around the world. "Spirited, cheery and creative Celtic trad, with a couple of romantic interludes from the top Welsh twmpath band," was the verdict of 91Èȱ¬ Radio 2.
In March and April 2010 Allan Yn Y Fan toured the UK with a five-track EP released to coincide with it. Lle Arall / Another Place was released on St David's Day and showcases the talents of leading Welsh harpist Delyth Jenkins.
The band are touring once more in Spring 2011, and have plans to release their fourth album in 2012.
Key works
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Trosnant (2009)
The big development on the third album is the introduction of songs to the previously entirely instrumental work, described by a US reviewer as "beautiful vocals and fiery instrumentals". -
Belonging (2006)
Notable for the band's growing confidence in the studio and as composers, an album which confirmed the band as informed but not limited by the Welsh traditions. -
Off The Map (2003)
The debut album which demonstrated AYYF's multi-instrumental capabilites and their ability to entertain. "Welsh music has a sound all of its own and this is as good an introduction as I have ever heard - recommended" said Dirty Linen of the USA.
