Crasdant - Dwndwr – The Great Noise (Sain)

It’s possible (if not entirely just) to describe Crasdant as a younger, less musically promiscuous and, most importantly, Welsh version of The Chieftains. Crasdant is Huw Williams (guitar and clogging), Robin Huw Bowen (triple harp), Stephen Rees (accordion, fiddle and whistles), and Andy McLaughlin (flute, whistles and the delightful – in name, sight and sound – traditional reed pipe the pibgorn). Four of Wales’ most accomplished traditional musicians, one might call Crasdant as a ‘super-group’, if the term wasn’t so absurdly hyperbolic for such an understated, almost humble, sounding recording. This is a charming project lovingly infused with a pride in place and culture. Thorough bilingual (Welsh/English) liner notes and an accompanying DVD featuring brief introductions to the instruments and downloadable sheet music and a slightly stiff, but still engaging video performance only add to the appeal. Dwndwr proves that – unlike Scrabble – you can score big without any vowels. 4 ½ leeks of a possible 5.