An Interview With Halley Weaver - Portland's 'Zero Emissions Harpist'

Halley Weaver, Portlands very own "zero emissions harpist" will be playing at the 'Night of The Living Bards' in Portland, Oregon on October 7th. This event is part of the Left Coast Eisteddfod 2010. Americymru spoke to Halley about her love for the harp and her future musical plans. Americymru: You have been described as Portland's "zero emissions harpist". Can you explain this for our readers? Halley: Many harpists, whether folk or classical, get from gig to gig by use of large station wagons, even to the extent of small panel trucks. When traveling around the city of Portland, I opt to use my bike and a custom-made trailer whenever possible. When the bike and trailer aren't appropriate, as in the case of very severe weather, I take public transportation. This is sometimes, annoying, to say the least, but it's great to talk to people on the bus, curious about the harp! Americymru: What attracted you to the harp? How long have you been playing it? Halley: As a little girl, I was in love with fantasy books, medieval history, fantasy role-playing games, etc. At some point, a switch went off in my mind and I wanted to play the folk harp. There was no epiphany moment while at a Celtic festival or while watching a movie. I just decided. I don't even recall having any "harp contact" before I got my first one. I do remember drawing a little "savings meter" and marking it off with red marker every time I saved money for my harp fund. It took a couple years of persistence before my parents deemed I was serious about this infatuation. That was almost 12 years ago, and I know that they don't regret finally giving in to my whim! Americymru: We learn from your site ( link ) that you were, at least initially self-taught. How difficult was it to learn to play the harp? Halley: This is my dad's favorite story. When I got my first harp, I was also given a "teach yourself" book. I spent the entire day in my room devouring the book and the next morning at breakfast, I performed the first few songs in the book to my family. I remember there were times when I was extremely discouraged and frustrated. Felt clumsy, stiff-fingered and slow. But then, there are times last week when I felt like that while practicing! It's definitely an act of love, though. And as with most love, sometimes I'm a little blind to the less-than-stellar times. Americymru: What is your typical repertoire? What kind of events do you perform at? Halley: My repertoire is so fluidly organic and changes (sometimes on a daily basis!). I peform an eclectic collection on traditional folk and Celtic pieces. I really enjoy dance tunes; jigs, reels, etc so a lot of my music has a very bright, springy flow to it. I've played a variety of venues from retirement centers, weddings, funerals, corporate banquets, Renaissance fairs, churches, craft fairs, art galleries and street corners. I've become pretty versatile to performing in a bunch of unique environments. It's always a lot of fun and everyone has their different charm. Americymru: Do you plan to release any cd's in he near future? Is there anywhere online where people can hear your music? Halley: I have been in the long, long process of trying to get a CD recorded on a very limited budget. I've started actually two different times last year and because of my very generous recording friends' schedules, things have fallen through both times. Third time, being the charm, I am taking my time and saving my pocket change so that I can afford to get it professionally done. But regardless, I am hoping by the end of summer to have the CD out. Music samples will be available at my website by the end of April, but until there, there is my gig webpage at: www.gigmasters.com/harp/halleytheharper Americymru: You have been involved with the SCA ( Society for Creative Anachronisms ). Care to tell us a little more about your involvement with the organisation? Halley: I was involved in the SCA in northwest Washington for a number of years. It was a deeply rewarding experience where I volunteered for many of their public demos, teaching children and adults all sorts of nifty things from chainmail to fencing, making bread, working wool and about period instruments. I became my "barony's" ambassador to the "East Kingdom" when I went away to school in Massachusetts and then later to "Artemesia" (Utah). While my membership has lapsed and I currently don't have the time to dedicate to such a fun, educational non-profit, I still have tons of photos all over and my "Award of Arms" framed and hanging in my art space. (I still plan family visits to Washington around events, "accidently" though, so I can duck in and say hi to friends!) Americymru: Have you ever accompanied other musicians or do you always perform solo? Halley: I regularly "jam" with other musicians whether it's in my home or during a pub's monthly "session." I love impromptu jams on the street corners and have met some amazing people that way and some really great friends. I have performed a few times with violins, flutes, guitars and piano. Am looking forward to some future projects this summer with folk, gypsy/klezmer and just some crazy musicians! Americymru: Is there any performance that you are particularly proud of? Any memorable incidents whilst performing? Halley: I have performed for audiences of over 2000 people. I have performed for huge, gorgeous weddings set in amazing locations. However, the performances that really stick in my mind are playing for retirement centers and events where it's smaller, more intimate - where people can ask questions and I get to mingle and really meet the people that I am playing for. I have many, many memorable incidents, but one in particular that I love is playing at the Waterfront Park in Portland, which is a paved multi-use path along the river. During the early summer last year, there were a lot of muscle guys jogging. Not one would make visible eye-contact with me, but quiet a few would stop within earshot as their spontaneous place to stop and do calf stretches on the handrails. Americymru: What kind of music do you listen to? Are there any performers that you draw inspiration from? Halley: I listen to a lot of country/folk rock music. Andrew Bird, Billy Bragg, Robyn Hitchcock, The Mountain Goats, Casey Neill and the Norway Rats, just to name a few. My first love with celtic pub music was with a Winnipeg band, The Dust Rhinos. 10 years later, they're still my favorite band. I don't know if I draw inspiration from any particular performer. I do know that the first time I heard Robyn Hitchcock though, I was inspired to begin writing my own music and get the bug every time I go to a live show to run home and work on music. Americymru: Any final message for the members and readers of Americymru? Halley: I want to say something cheesy about following your bliss, but you know, without making it sound cheesy. I just know that I have worked a lot of jobs; marketing, tech support, food service, etc and while I've had some jobs that I've really liked, I love being a performer and educator. Last summer, I was able to successfully support myself by harp alone and I am really hoping to continue with that trend through this summer. Not everyone has the lifestyle that they can drop everything and start over, but I was given that opportunity two years ago, and I have been truly happy with my decision since.

Diary marker – Famous coaching inn, 'The Grapes' turns clock back 200 years in Wales

One of the oldest and most famous coaching inns in Wales will be turning the clock back 200 years next week to mark the grand arrival of two large stagecoaches. The 17th century Grade II listed inn, The Grapes in the picturesque village of Maentwrog, in the Vale of Ffestiniog, will be marking the arrival of a coaching party engaged in a fund-raising tour in aid of injured servicemen and servicewomen. The Grapes has been a ‘must stop’ inn for centuries, but hasn’t hosted teams of coaches and horses since the first half of the 19th century. “This event will see us literally turning the clock back 200 years. We’ll see The Grapes as it was in its coaching heyday,” said Andrew Roberts Evans, manager of hotel. The coaching party will include representatives of The Household Cavalry Charitable Fund. The party of drivers, assistants and passengers will be up to 26-strong. The Grapes will be an overnight stop en-route between Bala and Portmeirion. “We intend making sure that the occasion will be as historically accurate as possible,” said Mr Evans. “All our staff will be in period costume and the food on offer will hark back to 1809, marking 200 years of coaching at The Grapes. “The money raised by this charitable event will go towards the Help The Heroes Fund and the Household Cavalry Charitable Fund. “In addition to the coaching visit, we have regular fund-raising events at the pub which annually raise £2,000 for various charities. “During the month of October the services charities will be our nominated causes and we aim to give them the very best of support.” Mr Evans added: “This promises to be a memorable occasion at The Grapes, a piece of living history. For many, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a famous coaching inn doing the job it was built to do.”

Jesus Presley, Western Aerial, Runaway Norm and The SlimJims Play Left Coast Eisteddfod in Portland, Oregon

Friday Night's Lineup Finalized Jesus Presley Leader and founder of the band, The Reverend Tony Hughes comes from a long line of jazz musicians. His father played with Wes Montgomery and his grandfather played radio shows back in the 30's and 40's. So for him it was really the only thing he knew growing up. He has always had a love for music of all styles, and its apparent from the sound that Jesus Presley plays. In 1994, while booking music for a club in Portland Oregon, he noticed that there was a lack of large show bands playing in live music venues. He had an idea for a band that played music that was a little off center, mixed styles from swing, jazz, R&B to rock and the whole time making sure everyone was having fun. The whole concept was to include everyone in the experience, from the musicians to the folks going out to see live music. For the musicians in the band it was simple- they stopped worrying about the music industry and focused on music and entertaining people. For the past 12 years Jesus Presley have amassed a following in the Pacific Northwest and received critical acclaim for their live shows, musicianship and recordings. After achieving a cult status and playing every music venue and festival and event they could. They have learned a couple things, fun is fun and now matter what you do, it better be fun. http://www.jesuspresley.com/ http://www.myspace.com/jesuspresley Western Aerial Western Aerial’s music and ferocious live show have drawn recent comparisons to Foo Fighters and Jet, creating a diverse and loyal following of supporters who have been looking for a genuine rock ‘n’ roll band. Geoff Metts’ whiskey-soaked vocals and swaggering guitar riffs pour over Jimmy Richards’ thundering bass rhythms and bone crushing backbeats by drummer Anthony Tripp. Western Aerial’s use of infectious melodies and AC/DC style hooks make it clear that it’s once again cool to play a guitar solo. http://www.westernaerial.com/home.htm http://www.myspace.com/westernaerial Runaway Norm Runaway Norm has brought together a unique blend of music genres to create acoustic-driven rock music that will leave you singing and dancing. http://www.runawaynorm.com/ http://www.myspace.com/runawaynorm The SlimJims Mixing an eclectic variety of popular music with unconventional “B-side” hits, The SlimJims put their alternative upbeat twist on over five decades of quality American roots music. They’ve distilled the best of 40’s traditional western, 50’s rock-n-roll, 60’s folk, and 70’s country into one tall cool refreshing drink you can sip all night long. So just click on their calendar to catch them at a favorite venue near you. You won’t go away thirsting for another round... www.TheSlimJims.com www.Myspace.com/tommyvonjim

BUY TICKETS FOR THE LEFT COAST EISTEDDFOD SHOWS FRIDAY NIGHT - JESUS PRESLEY, WESTERN AERIAL, RUNAWAY NORM, THE SLIMJIMS SATURDAY - CHRIS NEEDS, BRUCE ANDERSON, OCEANS APART, TYLER STENSON AUGUST 21st - 22nd 2009 McMenamins Crystal Ballroom 1332 W Burnside Portland Oregon

The SlimJims Play The Left Coast Eisteddfod, Portland, Oregon

The SlimJims will be opening the friday night show at the Left Coast Eisteddfod on August 21st at the McMenamins Crystal Ballroom in Portland Oregon. Also on the bill will be Jesus Presley, Western Aerial and Runaway Norm. The show starts at 8 p.m. and doors will open at 7. You can buy tickets direct from Ticketmaster HERE. Band leader Shane Todd talks about the band in a short article below. To hear The Slimjims follow this LINK. SlimJims band member and founder Shane Todd says "the whole focus of our group is producing what I call ' The Living Room Sound.' We perform as if we are setting up in your house and playing songs with everyone who came by with their instruments." Todd, lead singer and guitarist, says the SlimJims accomplish that because all of the band's instrumentation is acoustic-based, harking back to the time when his Irish American ancestors would gather together at someone’s home to play music on the weekends in the mountains of West Virginia after working in the coal mines. “That’s exactly what my great grandmother did; sang, played guitar and essentially was the coordinator for Saturday night jams at her cabin”. The Portland area band originated about seven years ago and now includes Stephen Cambron (pedal steel, electric guitar), Seth Garon (bass, vocals), Deborah Katz (fiddle, vocals) and Paul Hampton (drummer). Todd, said he has produced the band's show as a tribute to his American Irish musical roots spanning about five decades with the songs he used to listen to as a young child spending time with his father as he worked on his motorcycles in the garage. "He used to play a lot of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Chet Atkins," Todd said. “All this classic American music has deep roots in our Irish and Welsh heritage.” The SlimJims, which recently headlined a list of eight bands that performed on July 4th at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, also likes to focus on "B side hits. ''True fans would know those songs because they would play both sides of all the records," said Todd.

An Interview With Chris Keil

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN MOVED TO

THE WELSH AMERICAN BOOKSTORE

'AN INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS KEIL'

Political Thriller Set to Stir Controversy.

Buy The Stoat here. ( Publication date: 03/08/09 Price: 9.95GBP )

A tense political thriller about the hunting down of a wartime Nazi executioner in the Welsh countryside by, among others, a Jewish girl, is being published by Y Lolfa this week.

Set in the early eighties, shortly after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, and now published in the wake of the Israeli massacre in Gaza, it likely to prove controversial as the author is a committed Zionist.

However Judith Maro, the author, who now lives in Mumbles, Swansea, insists she disagrees strongly with present Israeli policies, as do many other Jewish intellectuals.

Author Judith Maro said: “I do hope the novel will also stimulate discussion about some difficult political issues which are relevant to Israel, Lebanon and Gaza today.”

Judith was brought up in Jerusalem and after graduating at the university there, joined the Zionist paramilitary Haganah organization. She met her future husband, Welsh sculptor Jonah Jones, at a British Army education centre in Palestine. She has lived for long periods in North Wales and Cardiff before settling with her family in Swansea.

She has written four novels in both English and Welsh and various essays and reviews and a memoir. She is fluent in both Hebrew and Arabic.

Bydd Y Lolfa yn cyhoeddi nofel wleidyddol gyffrous yr wythnos hon gan awdures sy’n wreiddiol o Israel. Mae priodas rhwng Gwyddel a Chymraes yn gefndir i’r dirgelwch sy’n troi o gylch dwy fferm ym mryniau Meirionnydd. Mae ditectif lleol a myfyrwraig o Israel yn ymchwilio i gefndir Pwyliad sydd wedi byw mewn tyddyn unig o’r enw Tyddyn Isaf am 35 mlynedd. Mae The Stoat yn nofel antur ryngwladol ei blas, sy’n trin rhai o densiynau gwleidyddol dyfnaf yr oes sydd ohoni.

Cafodd Judith Maro ei magi yn Jerusalem. Priododd y cerflunydd Jonah Jones, ac wedi byw mewn sawl ardal o Gymru, mae bellach wedi setlo yn y Mwmbwls ger Abertawe. Er ei bod yn Iddewes, mae hi fel nifer o feddylwyr Iddewig eraill, yn anghytuno a pholisïau presennol llywodraeth Israel. Mae’n gobeithio y bydd The Stoat yn annog trafodaeth am faterion gwleidyddol sy’n berthnasol i Israel, Libanus, Gaza a Chymru heddiw.

Other News From Y Lolfa

Y Lolfa Dominates Welsh Books Charts

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Of related interest Welsh and Jewish: Responses to Wales by Jewish Writers A link to an article on Jewish writers in Wales by Grahame Davies, University of Wales ( PDF Format ) The paper discusses Dannie Abse and Judith Maro amongst others.

An Interview With Valerie Wood-Gaiger ...W-Icon.

Learn With Grandma

Member Valerie Wood-Gaiger – author, grandmother and teacher – recently won a contest to become one of two W-Icons, or spokespeople, for the British Women's Institute (WI). The Women's Institute is the largest voluntary organisation for women in the United Kingdom. The first British Women's Institute was formed at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Anglesey, Wales, in 1915 and today the WI boasts more than 200,000 members.

Valerie lives in Myddfai, in the county of Carmarthenshire, in south Wales. Besides her work with the WI, Valerie is active in her community, enjoys walking with her dogs, is a great-grandmother, an author and one of the founders and operators of Grandma’s Stories, a small publisher, through which she will be publishing a series of books on "on pan European prehistory".

You recently won a competition to become one of two W-Icons, how did you come to be in the competition and what does that mean for you?

I read about the competition in WI Life magazine, just before closing date, and thought I could have a go at that! Got my entry in one hour before Carmarthenshire WI Federation office closed for two weeks! I only applied the day before the competition closed, and before I knew it I found myself in the top ten. We then had two days ask people to vote for me. I live in Myddfai, where there are only about five computers, so I enlisted help from my grandchildren. I was amazed that I received votes from Ukraine to California, Latvia to Australia! I am thrilled that Wales has another winner. The judges actually decided to have two winners. The other one is Emma Cunningham, a 35 year old, from Hampshire. Between the two of us we illustrate the wide age range of women involved with the modern WI.

Many people may not be aware that as well as being fun, the WI is, always was, a campaigning organisation. A current campaign is against slavery in the West. I've just returned from a conference in the Ukraine on language learning where I was the keynote speaker. While there I was able to speak to a lot of students and took the opportunity to warn them to thoroughly check before accepting jobs promised to them in the West. Usually promised jobs are bona-fide offers but there are cases, even here in Wales, where young women, have had their passports, money and mobile phones taken from them and they are forced into prostitution. W.I. is much more than simply "jam and Jerusalem" [jam-making competitions and "Jerusalem," a song many WI chapters sing to open their meetings]. We are encouraging younger women to join and it is an excellent organisation for those women who are recently retired. When retirement comes, work networks can be lost but membership of the WI can provide the opportunity to establish a whole new network of friends.

I am increasingly being asked to give talks to WI, U3A, Rotary (I am a Paul Harris Fellow, which should impress any Rotarian's reading) which I like doing. The next conference I will speak at is on eLearning in Berlin. I will introduce Inter-Generational eLearning. It is absurd that my 10-year-old grandson can produce a PowerPoint presentation and I can't. We older people can learn from the young and we have lots of skills to pass on – we need to do so in a modern technological way.

How did you come to be involved in the WI?

I joined as a young woman in the late 1960s, early 1970s, when I moved to a village in Hampshire. I then lapsed when I lived in London and rejoined when I moved to Myddfai in 1999. WI is a great way to meet new people. WI are keen to attract younger members, incidentally, that is why there are now two SKY W-Icons. There was to have been just one winner but the judges decided to have two: me, sixty-seven years old and a great granny, and Emma, a young mum of thirty-five. I also think that WI is ideal for ladies who have just retired and have lost work-related networks. WI is a great network.

What will you do with the grant that you've won in the competition?

The money will be donated to the 'not for profit' company, Learn with Grandma, which I co-founded after I read that 64% of grandparents look after their grandchildren on a regular basis. In the past that was something they did because they wanted to but these days, with both couples having to work and so many divorces, it is becoming a necessity. I wanted to use this money to help people all over the country have fun without breaking the bank, especially important in these economically difficult times.

One of our publications will be Grandma’s Guide to Great Days Out, which will list FREE places to take your children or grandchildren, and those that offer excellent value for money, less than £25.00 for a family ticket. There will be no charge for inclusion in the guide.

We are looking for places like St Fagan's, wonderful and FREE! In the 100-acre parkland of St Fagans Castle are over forty buildings moved from all over Wales. Roam round the late 16th-century manor house, see workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills, native breeds of livestock in the fields and galleries with exhibitions of costume, daily life, farming implements and the largest collection of Welsh Love spoons in the World. All FREE. The only charge is £2.50 to park the car and you can eat Welsh food in the café or take a picnic. Places that offer great value for money like Ladyland Farm where, for only £6.00 per person, you get a tractor ride and a badge, you get the opportunity to get right in with the animals, to hold fluffy day old chicks, rabbits and kittens, to see the baby calves, lambs and piglets and to feed & stroke them and bed them down.

How many books have you written and what are your plans, as a writer and publisher?

I am currently working on a series of fourteen books that trace history from the Ice Age chronologically through to Roman times. The first of these, The Ice Journey , is based on America's Smithsonian Institute research that indicates that the original humans to reach the American continent were from what is now Europe. My books are aimed at Key Stage 2 but can also be used in helping adults to read and the dual language Welsh/English version is ideal for adult Welsh learners. This series will end with The Welsh Empress of Rome, the wife of Magnus Maximus, murdered in 388. All books in this series will be bilingual. They're aimed at older children and for adults to read with children and the subject matter is designed to interest a very wide age range. I like weave little known facts into a fictional story. Most adults who read my books find themselves saying, "I didn’t know that." Parents, grandparents, even teachers learn with the children. Books are equally suitable for adults learning a second language. Following a trip to Ukraine recently (I was keynote speaker at a conference for English teachers from eastern Europe) we are working towards publishing in Russian/English, Ukrainian/English, Latvian/English and perhaps Polish/English.

I write from the perspective of a grandmother teaching her grandchildren and at the end include a Learn with Grandma Section with comprehension questions as well as things to do. I remembered all the things I used to do with my grandma, included those and added science and modern technology.

For The Ice Journey , I show how to make a DNA molecule using sweets. Fortunately the old educational idea of learning through doing is now back in fashion. The second book in this series, Beck, an Ice Age Hunter, will be published in the New Year. I am also working on a series based on pan European folk & fairy stories that will be for younger children, These books will also contain our Learn with Grandma actives.

How did you come to write The Ice Journey?

After some research I decided to write a history of the people of the Celtic lands. There is a lot of interest in the Celts but people do not really know much about them. I decided to start, long before the Celts, back to The Ice Age because that was the start of ‘modern’ history. The only people alive were homo sapiens – people exactly like you & me. Also because I hope one day to bring these stories to the American market.

When will this series be available?

Grandma’s Stories is a new, small publisher. We can only afford to publish one book at a time, when we have the money to do so. Book two of the prehistory series will be out in the New Year. After that it is in God’s and our customers hands. We need more customers!

Prior to writing this book, did you have a background or an interest in archaeology, anthropology or related sciences?

No formal background but a great interest in archaeology, anthropology & related sciences. This had been fostered by my grandmother. After my children grew up most of my holidays were spend visiting ancient sites in many countries. I always did the research before going. I went on an archaeological dig in Portugal last summer. I saw it advertised on an online archaeological magazine & decided to go. It was very interesting, great fun and I loved the journey to northern Portugal. The train ride up the Douro Valley was spectacular.

What was your prior career?

Quite a few. Ranging from photographer to shop owner to soft toy agent (I earned enough from that to have a 19 room house. A Rolls Royce, send my three children to boarding school and run a huge overdraft!) to founding a charity to create work for disabled people, for which I was awarded MBE and, in the same week, I was made redundant, age 58. After wasting two years crying, I woke up and realised that I was not redundant, that it was time I pulled myself together and started a new life.

You have a great-grandson, how many children and grandchildren do you have?

My son Neil will be 50 on 2 December. He lives in Glastonbury has two children: Emma, nearly 25, Adam, 22 yesterday. My son, Nicky, 48, is a DJ and a teacher. He lives in Ithaca in the USA and has three children. Maria, 23, is Danish and lives in Copenhagen. She is mother to Magnus, who will be 2 years old in January, Kristian, age 12 and Lula, age 10. My daughter, Alison is married to Erik and lives in Surrey. She has two sons: Oscar, age 10, and Hugo, age 8.

Did you tutor or educate your own children or grandchildren? Have any of them followed in your footsteps?

I was only 17 when Neil was born. We had a lot of fun learning stuff together when they were children. They have all made their own path in life and live all over the world. I am now working on a new ways of maintaining contact with my grandchildren. I started writing books after Kristian said ‘I love you grandma but I need to see you’. I am "Facebook Friends" with the older grandchildren. I have now bought a webcam to tell Magnus stories and am off to Berlin in December to launch a new intergenerational e-learning project.

Can you describe the place you live? How long have you lived there?

Myddfai is a tiny village - about 30 people live in the actual village, plus second homes, Prince Charles has bought a property here. I'm very involved in my community, I go to church and chapel and help organize events to help keep the community together, so important since our pub closed. I have two dogs to walk, great walking round here! And there is the day job. It is a hill village, three miles above Llandovery and in The Brecon Beacons National Park. It is stunningly beautiful and the people have been so kind and welcoming. I thank God for the wind that blew me here. I hope to die here.

Historical novel will inspire a new legion of young readers

The Black Legion

This is a new (and probably the first-ever) novel based on the French invasion of Pembrokeshire in 1797 to be aimed at older children and young adults. This important historical event is one of the most dramatic events in Welsh history and provides an ideal setting for this tale of adventure, treachery and teenage love.

The author William Vaughan, being a former teacher of History and English, has the experience to know what inspires the imagination of youngsters. He says: “I deliberately wrote the novel in a light, fast-paced style with the aim of transforming a brief chapter in school text-books into a vivid and gripping reality.”

The Black Legion will be an ideal introduction to the subject of the French invasion for schoolchildren. William Vaughan says he does “not accept that today’s teenagers are uninterested in Welsh history. The last invasion of Britain is an exciting period which deserves to be remembered and I trust this adventure novel will help to serve the purpose.”

The central characters in the novel are Tom, a young servant, and Megan, a Major’s daughter. They have feelings for each other but are constrained in declaring their emotions by the class divide. However, they witness the invasion together and are soon caught up in dramatic events which will change their lives forever.

The author has interwoven historical details into the action-laden plot in order to portray the period accurately. Scenes of brutality on board convict ships and rat-infested gaols are contrasted with shimmering, candlelit ballrooms and portrait-lined castles. The Black Legion will delight older children and young adults who enjoy a well-written, swashbuckling tale.

The author was born in Cardiff and studied History and English at Leicester University, obtaining BA and MA degrees. He gained a PGCE from University College, Cardiff and taught History and English in Leicestershire and at the Cathedral School, Llandaff, before becoming a writer of fiction. He has also written The Midnight Ghost, a novel for children, which was published by Gwasg y Bwthyn in 2004.

Gwasg y Bwthyn in 2004.

Teitl / Title


The Black Legion

Dyddiad cyhoeddi / Publication date


14.11.08

Pris / Price


£5.95

Awdur / Author


William Vaughan

Oceans Apart - Oceans Together .....An Interview With John Good

"Oceans Apart" is basically John Good and Steve Colby. Where did you meet and what led to the formation of the band?

Oedd Steve a fi ar yr un sesiwn recordio am gyfaill y ddau ohonon, ond yn chwarae mewn bandiau gwahanol. Fel sy’n digwydd yn aml yn y busnes cerddorol, mae’r ddau fand wedi mynd i’r wal yn ein gadael ni rydd i lyfu ein clwyfau ac ail-ddechrau o’r lludw, llwch … yn Phoenix. Crwt o Gymru ac Ohio yn canu caneuon ac alawon Celtaidd yn yr anialwch: Oceans Apart.

Steve and I were on the same recording session for a mutual friend, but were playing in different bands. As happens often in the music business, the two bands fell apart leaving us free to lick our wounds and start again from the ashes, dust…in Phoenix. A boy from Wales and Ohio singing and playing Celtic songs and tunes in the desert: Oceans Apart.

What proportion of your output is your own material and what proportion comes from traditional sources?

Mae’r mwyafrif o’n defnydd yn dod o’r alawon a chaneuon traddodiadol Cymreig, Albanaidd a Gwyddelig, ond mae rhaid i bawb gwneud rhywbeth personol ohonyn, trwy drefniadau meddylgar a diddorol, a thrwy ddehongliadau unigryw ar y llwyfan. Felly, dw i’n meddwl ohonof i fy hun fel rhan o’r cyfansoddiad terfynol.

The majority of our material comes from the traditional tunes and songs of Wales, Scotland and Ireland, but everyone must make something personal of them, through thoughtful and interesting arrangements and through unique interpretations on the stage. So, I think of myself as a part of the final composition.

What are your major sources for traditional music? How important is traditional music in your repertoire?

Robin Huw Bowen, Huw Bach Roberts, Plethyn, mam a mam-gu, casgliadau John Parry Ddall ac eraill, hen recordiau maes, Nansi Richards, Ceri Rhys Mathews, Stephen Rees, Sally Harper Prif Ysgol Bangor, Y We……Mae rhaid i bawb sy’n canu dechrau gan adeiladu ar y gorffennol. Yr unig beth yw faint ac mewn pa gyfeiriad yr ydych chi’n moyn mynd o’r ffynhonnell. Dw i’n moyngweithio yn ofalus i barchu’r traddodiad heb gwympo i mewn i’r faglu orhy lawer o ailadroddiad.

Robin Huw Bowen, Huw “Bach” Roberts, Plethyn, mam a mamgu, collections of John Parry Ddall and others, old field recordings, Nansi Richards, Ceri Rhys Mathews, Stephen Rees, Sally Harper, Bangor University, Y We……Everyone who sings (plays)must begin by building on the past. The only thing is how far and in what direction you want to go from the source. I want to work carefully to respect the tradition without falling into the pitfall of too much repetition.

How important is music generally in establishing and asserting Wales' identity in America?

Cerddoriaeth sy’n gallu pontio iaith, ffydd, lliw, cefnforoedd, dosbarth, gwrthwynebiad, oed ….unrhyw gwestiynau eraill?

Music is able to bridge language, faith, colour, oceans, class, opposition, age…. Any other questions?

Do you find that audiences are generally aware that Wales has its own musical traditions or are they somewhat overshadowed by the Scottish and Irish traditions?

Unwaith, arhosais ym Mississippi am betrol. Gofynnodd i fi'r ferch yn yr orsaf ble y ces i fy magu. “Cymru” dwedais. “Gyrraist ti?” Meddai. Mae’n gryn dipyn yn well ymhlith pobl gyda chysylltiad â’r Alban neu Iwerddon, ond Cymru ydy’r llysblentyn pen coch o hyd cofiwch.

Once I stopped for gas in Mississippi. The girl in the station asked me were I was from. “Wales” I said. “Did you drive?” she asked. It’s quite a lot better amongst people with a connection with Scotland and Ireland, but Wales is still the redheaded stepchild remember.

You are also a keen student and exponent of Welsh poetry. Does this play a role in your music?

Yn Y Gymraeg dyna un hen air am gan a phennill: Cerdd. Wel i ddweud y gwir, cerdd dant ydy cerddoriaeth a cherdd dafod yw farddoniaeth. Os welodd fy hendadau ddim angen i wahanu’r ddau, does dim angen arnaf i. Fel bara a menyn, seidr a haf, teulu, cyfeillion, gwlad a chariad, dyna bethau sydd yn anwahanadwy yn wastad.

In Welsh, there is one old word for a song and poem: Cerdd. Well to tell the truth Cerdd Dant (art with or of a string?) is Music and Cerdd Dafod (tongue music/art) is poetry. If my forefathers didn’t see a need to separate the two, neither do I. Like bread and butter, cider and summer, family, friends, country and love there are things forever inseparable.

A great many new bands and performers are coming to the forefront in Wales today. Do you think that there is something of a musical revival going on in Wales at the moment?

Na, nid diwygiad yw ond ffrwydrad! O’r diwedd oddi wrth ddwy ochr dafod y ddraig, stim ots pa fath neu arddull, oed y perfformwyr, milltir sgwâr, capel neu eglwys, dyna deimlad hyderus dros ben yn y bryniau, cymoedd, dros y bont, yn y fro, ar y traethau a thramor bod cerddorion Cymreig yn gallu sefyll ochr gan ochr gyda gorau’r byd. Nid ond yng ngherddoriaeth ond yn farddoniaeth, drama, busnes ac ar y meysydd chwarae ein hysbryd unigryw sy’n codi! Hwre!!

No, not a revival but an explosion! At last from both sides of the dragon’s tongue, no matter what kind or style, age of performer, birthplace, chapel or church, there’s an exceptional feeling of confidence in the hills, valleys, over the bridge, in the bro, on the beaches and overseas that Welsh musicians can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. Not only in music but also in poetry, drama, business and on the sports’ field our unique spirit is rising! Hooray!!

The song "The Grangetown Whale" brings back many happy memories of similar exploits for me. Is this song based on personal experience?

Ysgrifennwyd "The Grangetown Whale" gan Frank Hennessy i eiriau’n fardd lleol yn disgrifio’r llifogydd Caerdydd 1979, ond dyna fwy i’r chwedl : Grangetown Whale

"The Grangetown Whale" was written by Frank Hennessy to words written by a local poet about the 1979 Cardiff flood, but there is more to the tale: Grangetown Whale

You studied music under Alun Hoddinott at Cardiff University (or UCC as it then was). Do you have any particular recollections of him that you would like to share?

Y Mae’r athro Alun Hoddinott, fel Grace Williams yn ddirfawr ym myd cerddorol clasurol y Cymry, a oedd braint tu hwnt i gael y dyn galluog hwn yn pori ar draws f’ymgais ond, i ddweud y gwir, yn ystod y saithdegau, oedd Caerdydd ar dan gyda lleoedd fel Chapter yn dangos ffilmiau Ewropeaidd am hanner nos, cyngherddau avant-garde, roc, jazz, barddoniaeth gyfoes, celfyddyd, dramâu a phobl gydag yr un eisiau i greu, trafod a byw'r gwrthryfel cymdeithasol/hunan-addysgol. Felly dw i wedi dysgu mwy, mewn ffordd, tu fas yr ystafell ysgol. Hefyd wrth gwrs yr oedd y Brains, caru-rydd, gwyliau roc, clwbiau gwerin, darllediadau barddoniaeth, Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, e.e cumings, John Cage, John Coltrane, John Lennon, Eric Dolphy, Wildman Fischer, Stockhausen, Henry Cooper (y ddau), Ferlinghetti, Escher, Monty Python, Albi, Dylan, i enwi ond yn ychydig!!

Alun Hoddinott, like Grace Williams, are huge in the classical musical world of the Welsh, and it was an honour to have this brilliant man pore over my efforts but, to tell the truth, in the 70’s Caerdydd was on fire with places like Chapter showing late-night European films, avant-garde, rock, jazz, modern poetry, art, drama and people who only wanted to create, discuss and live the social/self-educational revolution. So, I learnt more outside the schoolroom. Also of course there was Brains, free love, rock festivals, folk clubs, poetry readings, Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, e.e cumings, John Cage, John Coltrane, John Lennon, Eric Dolphy, Wildman Fischer, Stockhausen, Henry Cooper (both), Ferlinghetti, Escher, Monty Python, Albi, Dylan, to name but a few!

Where can people see the band in the near future? Are there any tours or live performances coming up?

Byddwch ân aros yn glos i Phoenix yn ystod y gaeaf (dyn ni ddim yn dwp!), gyda theithiau yn dechrau gyda gwanwyn ac yn yr haf cynnar (manylion ar y gweill o hyd). Caiff ein hamserlen ei gyhoeddi mis i fis ar ein safle We: OceansApart

We will be staying close to Phoenix during the winter (we’re not stupid!), with trips beginning in the spring and early summer (details still in progress). Our schedule is published month to month on our web site: OceansApart

When can we expect the next album from "Oceans Apart"?

Wel, yr ydym ni newydd ryddhau albwm Nadolig (The Carol Singing Sea [gwrandwch ar y MP3]) a hefyd, ar yr un bryd yn DVD (weler y tri fideo) wedi’i enwi “Trans Celtic Gala”: Sioe fyw gyda’r band pibau, dawnswyr cam a chyfeillion., y ddau ar gael oddi wrth ein safle We.

Well, we just released a Christmas album (The Carol Singing Sea [listen to the MP3’s below) and also at the same time a DVD called “Trans Celtic Gala” (see the three videos): A live show with a pipe band, step dancers and friends, both available at our web site.

The band is sponsoring "The Left Coast Eisteddfod". What do you feel such an event can achieve for Wales?

Ers talwm, mae wedi bod canfyddiad yn y byd bron i benbaladr bod “Gwlad y Gan” yn golygu corau meibion yn canu emynau, felly dyma’r cyfle i ddangos bod erbyn hyn “Gwlad y Gan” yn golygu Cerddoriaeth draddodiadol, werin, pop, roc, jazz, rap, yn gyffrous, gyfoes, feddylgar, ddoniol, ddwyieithiog, a hefyd cerddoriaeth gorawl. Dw i’n edrych ymlaen dros ben i ddod.

For ages there has been aperception close to universal that “Land of Song” meant male voicechoirs singing hymns, so here’s a chance to show that today “Land of Song” means traditional, folk, pop,rock, jazz, rap music; exciting, contemporary, thoughtful, funny, bi-lingual, and also choral music. I’m really looking forward to coming.