Allan Yn Y Fan “Alumni”

Over the life of any band there come occasions when, for all the best reasons, one of you cannot make the gig or tour. Now we have been plying our trade for more than a decade and over the years some notable musical friends have stepped into the breach. It is time we name checked them and let you know where and with whom you might expect to see them now ....

GUTO DAFIS :- Melodeon - depped on a couple of occasions - our memory is hazy but we think one was in the Kenfig Hill area. Guto is one half of TORETH whose album for Fflach is recommended

OLI WILSON-DICKSON :- One of the very first times a fiddle was heard in our ranks - and good to start with one of the best. This was a wedding twmpath in Llangattock. Oli gets about quite a bit these days performing with Mabon, the Devil’s Violin and as part of the Ian McMillan Orchestra - to name just a few of his musical accomplices

LUKE CARVER GOSS :- Accordion / guitar Luke was bold enough to go the Czech Republic with us in 1999.. He’s never looked back! Now to be seen with Szapora and leads the Ian McMillan Orchestra. Ask him about the tour highlights sometime!

JOHN MILLS :- Melodeon / caller It was an age ago but the leader of Fast Parts graced the stage with us on a couple occasions for Cardiff gigs.

HENRY SEARS :- Fiddle / whistles Henry has depped for us on a couple of memorable occasions - a Newport wedding and a fab twmpath in Bush Hall, Shepherd’s Bush. Henry is famous for his music making with After Hours (of fond memory) and the duo with Jenny Crook.

TONY (GERAINT) WILLIAMS :- Bass , guitar. What twmpath band in South Wales has not had the pleasure of Brynmawr’s finest gracing their number at some stage or other. We all remember with great pleasure the musical adventures he shared with Huw Williams just the day before yesterday.

And the callers :-

NED CLAMP :- Ned was our original caller of choice and he undertook the majority of twmpaths in our earlier days. He also accompanied us on our early forays into Ireland and was always willing to add a harmonica or extra guitar to the sound. You can now see Ned working Pat Smith as a duo and with the Calennig Big Band.

CHRIS OATES :- If Ned wasn’t available in the early days Chris (of Gwerinwyr Gwent) usually took the mic and got people onto the floor.

FRANCESCA KAY :- It is not usual for creative writing experts to make good dance callers - but we decided that we needed a caller who suited our style of playing and - to be honest - would not also be working with most of the other bands in South Wales. A flamboyant figure who could encourage even the most convinced couch potato to take a step or two on the dance floor, Francesca left in 2005.

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Allan Yn Y Fan “Alumni”