A unique mix of old and new music from Wales and Finland featuring Timo Vaananen on kantele, Gill Stevens on viols and crwth and Dylan Fowler on guitars, clarinet and percussion. 'Now & Then' was BBC online album of the week in June 2005

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WORLD: Celtic, WORLD: World Traditions



Details:
Taith 'Now and Then'
A unique collaboration that explores the richness of traditional music from Wales and Finland. It is also an opportunity to create new compositions that draw on the distinctive landscapes of both countries. It is music that expresses both inner and outer landscapes and touches the souls of those who hear it.

This unique trio combines the talents of Timo Väänänen (Kantele), Gillian Stevens (Viols/Crwth) and Dylan Fowler (Guitars/Clarinet) who have come together as 'Taith' (journey in the Welsh language).


The initial idea came when Timo and Dylan were both involved in the 'Music of the Northlands' project of 2002 which brought together select musicians from Scandinavia and the UK. The project toured throughout Scandinavia and the UK and was highly successfull. 'Taith' have already made two prestigious appearances on both the BBC in London (Live Broadcast BBC radio 3) and on YLE Radio 1, Helsinki (recording and interview) as well as a number of concerts.

The group formed early in 2004 after Dylan and Timo had worked together on the prestigious'Music from the Northlands' tour in

Dylan and Timo had realized that there was some common ground to be explored between the traditional music of Wales and Finland. Both musicians shared an interest in both improvisation and composition and planned to further the collaboration. In 2004 the trio formed when Gillian Stevens brought her expertise on the viol and traditional Welsh crwth to the musical palette that has become 'Taith' (journey in the welsh language). Already in its first year the trio has attracted considerable interest with a live broadcasts for both BBC Radio 3's 'Late Junction' and a 1 hour programme on Radio YLE in Helsinki. The trio has recently completed its debut cd which was recorded in Wales and will be
released in 2005. Individually, the musicians have played at many of the main world music festivals as well as concerts that span the globe The group is looking forward to presenting this unique collaboration at festivals and concerts throughout 2005.

Taith - 'Now and Then'
"An album of sheer beauty and virtuosic musicianship from beginning to end, 'Now & Then' should, if there's any justice, find its way in the top albums of the year. Rarely has a debut release made such an impression." Keith Hudson - Taplas Magazine

Now and Then is a rare find: an instrumental album that is innovative and original, as well as engaging to listen to....... Living Tradition Magazine 2005

"This is an understated gem of a record from three very fine players" Peter Marsh, BBC online reviews June 2005