The Album Launch (05 Jun 2003)

There was a special air of anticipation on the evening of Thursday 5th June as the house lights dimmed and Allan Yn Y Fan took the stage to play live some of the thirteen tracks that make up their first album “Off The Map”.

Anticipation in the audience was probably equalled by nervousness amongst Geoff, Chris, Emma, Kate & Linda wondered quite why, amongst all the friends and relatives they had invited some of Wales’ finest musicians to audition Allan Yn Y Fan! However, warming to their task the band played some tunes that have been staples of the live set for years (BdeB/Bear Dance; Nyth Y Gog, Nyth Y Gwcw), whilst other tunes (Typsy Butterfly, Hoffed Minnie Sullivan) really came together during the spring at the sessions for the recording.

Allan Yn Y Fan were particularly pleased that evening to pay tribute to the contributions made to “Off The Map” by Dylan Fowler, at whose Abergavenny recording studio the album was produced; and to Paul Cabuts whose excellent sleeve design makes “Off The Map” such an attractive visual package.

Following an excellent buffet supper – take a bow Pauline Faraday – much talking, some drinking and some heavy merchandising (you too can wear an “Off The Map” tee shirt as well as buy a CD!), it was time for the surprise musical element of the evening. The famous and decisive Declan Coyne from the fabled County Roscommon had brought with him two extremely talented young musicians – Serena and Hazel. Their accordion and flute duets brought down the house and the excitement was further raised as Allan Yn Y Fan joined them on stage for some final furious unrehearsed sets.

To sum up “Off The Map” was well and truly launched that night, and the band are currently basking in the warm glow of the fantastic atmosphere created in Blackwood by our specially invited audience.

If you weren’t there you can still get “the glow” by purchasing your copy of “Off The Map” – see the relevant page of our web-site.

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The Album Launch (05 Jun 2003)