A New Beginning for John ac Alun
2018 was an important year for John and Alun, as they celebrated 20 years of their popular radio show. Since then the pair have been busy preparing a new album. In the midst of all this activity the duo were honoured by the National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst and received into the Order of the Bards.
This collection is titled ‘Arriving at the Beginning’. It’s a reference to the importance of their roots in Pen Llŷn, which has always been a prominent theme in their songs. On the cover of the CD we see a picture of the two at Porth Cychod; a small sheltered bay near Tudweiliog that is close to their hearts. This album was recorded at Stiwdio Aran, Groeslon with Emyr Rhys producing. Emyr was the producer of their first collection, ‘Yr Wylan Wen’ in 1991, so the title of the CD is also a recognition of that.
Song Details
There are many interesting features to this collection. ‘Ar y Ffordd’ (‘On the road’) is an old ‘Hergest’ song that covers a topic well known to John and Alun. Other than that, these songs are all originals, many by the duo themselves, receiving the support of writers such as Hywel Gwynfryn who have contributed to some of their most iconic songs over the years. John and Alun are always trying to support young artists and are delighted to receive their support in turn. We have songs written especially for the collection by Emma Marie ‘Cuddio o’r Diafol’ (Hiding from the Devil) and Mei Gwynedd ‘Dyro i mi Arwydd’ (Give me a sign).
The duo employ several styles, including blues, latin and bluegrass and Alun is heard taking the lead voice on a song for the first time with the light-hearted song – ‘Ble mae fy Sbectol?’ (Where are my glasses?’). ‘Gwynt Teg’ (‘Fair Wind’) reminds us of the Rolling Stones’ country songs while ‘Peintio’r Byd yn Goch’ (‘Painting the World Red’) is a clear tribute to Johnny Cash’s style and has also been released as a singleThe duo employ several styles, including blues, latin and bluegrass and Alun is heard taking the lead voice on a song for the first time with the light-hearted song – ‘Ble mae fy Sbectol?’ (Where are my glasses?’). ‘Gwynt Teg’ (‘Fair Wind’) reminds us of the Rolling Stones’ country songs while ‘Peintio’r Byd yn Goch’ (‘Painting the World Red’) is a clear tribute to Johnny Cash’s style and has also been released as a single
Release Date: October 25th 2019