Biography
Cardiff-based sextet Carreg Lafar upholds the musical traditions of Wales through its performances. Leading the ensemble is vocalist Linda Owen-Jones, whose style echoes Trio Bulgarka, as the group imparts a fresh perspective on the songs and sounds of their native land. Flute and whistle player James Rourke joined forces with hornpipe, bagpipe, whistle, and percussion player Antwn Owen-Hicks to establish the band in 1993, drawing musicians and singers from across every region of Wales. Rourke, a native of the West Wales town of Llanelli, had earlier played traditional Welsh music with Carreg Aonair; he began the flute at age 15, pursued training as an actor and filmmaker, and continues to author scripts for film and television while also publishing his debut novel, The Mayor of Aln, in 1999.
Self-taught musician Owen-Hicks, who originates from Pontllanfraith in the Sirhowy Valley of southern Wales, studied illustration in London before returning home to help launch Carreg Lafar. The pair’s dedication to traditional Welsh music soon extended to the remaining members. Rhondda Valley-born Rhian Evan-Jones, who performs on fiddle, viola, and cello, and Northern Wales-born vocalist Linda Owen-Jones—whom Owen-Hicks married in the mid-’90s—both arrived with minimal prior exposure to the tradition. Linda Owen-Jones had trained as an actor, while Rhian Evan-Jones started violin at age ten, earned a music degree from Cardiff University, and maintains a secondary-school teaching post in Pontypridd. Guitarist Simon O'Sea and vocalist/songwriter Dylan Davies complete the lineup. The ensemble’s name, literally rendered as “speaking stones,” alludes to the Welsh custom of “echo stones” or “places of echo.” Carreg Lafar completed a North American tour in late 1997.
Self-taught musician Owen-Hicks, who originates from Pontllanfraith in the Sirhowy Valley of southern Wales, studied illustration in London before returning home to help launch Carreg Lafar. The pair’s dedication to traditional Welsh music soon extended to the remaining members. Rhondda Valley-born Rhian Evan-Jones, who performs on fiddle, viola, and cello, and Northern Wales-born vocalist Linda Owen-Jones—whom Owen-Hicks married in the mid-’90s—both arrived with minimal prior exposure to the tradition. Linda Owen-Jones had trained as an actor, while Rhian Evan-Jones started violin at age ten, earned a music degree from Cardiff University, and maintains a secondary-school teaching post in Pontypridd. Guitarist Simon O'Sea and vocalist/songwriter Dylan Davies complete the lineup. The ensemble’s name, literally rendered as “speaking stones,” alludes to the Welsh custom of “echo stones” or “places of echo.” Carreg Lafar completed a North American tour in late 1997.
Albums
