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Jamie Smith's Mabon

From Wales

Top-drawer inter-Celtic folkery
For many, the term 'Celtic music' has simply become shorthand for Irish music. Welshman Jamie Smith is on a mission to correct this fallacy. His task is certainly made easier by members of his band living in Wales, Scotland and Brittany, allowing the music of their own neighbourhoods to seep into the collective sound (the odd element from Galacia is also added for good measure). For those who might have admired this combo when they were simply known as Mabon, of late they've undergone a slight rejigging (geddit?!), the band's new name reflecting accordionist Jamie's ascension to leader. But while he certainly commands his instrument with supreme majesty and possesses fine composing skills, the band's success is down to the sum of their forceful, irresistible parts. They're an exceedingly watertight bunch and, whichever quarter of the Celtic kingdom the tune's been inspired by, it will always be played with unrelenting passion and vigour.

(Biography written by Nige Tassell 2011)
Photo: www.justsimon.com

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