Cwmwl Tystion III / Empathy
May 30 @ 19:30 - 22:00
£15.00Empathy is the third and final touring project devised by Welsh jazz trumpeter Tomos Williams, and for this observer’s money the most impressive musical assembly of all three. The first Cwmwl Tystion lineup, in 2019, drew from the Welsh jazz landscape, the second expanding into England; this time, Williams has pulled off two coups by getting French/Vietnamese guitarist Nguyên Lê and American bassist Melvin Gibbs to join his band. As with previous Cwmwl Tystion suites, the themes are Welsh and historical, with vocalists Eadyth Crawford and Mared Williams the verbal expressors of this; Mark O’Connor remains on drums and Simon Proffitt adds contextualising live visuals. Lê and Gibbs are both notably versatile players – the latter was Rollins Band’s mid-90s era bassist – and should each bring a fresh approach to the concept. Empathy visits Bangor (Thurs 30 May), Wrexham (Fri 31), Aberystwyth (Sat 1 June), Rhayader (Wed 5), Merthyr Tydfil (Thurs 6) and Cardiff (Fri 7), with a tour-closer in London on Sat 8. words NOEL GARDNER
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