Biography
Dan Ar Bras stands out among Celtic music’s guitarists for his melodic style, having produced solo work alongside collaborations with the forward-thinking multi-instrumentalist Alan Stivell, who excels on Celtic harp, bagpipe, and flute. As an early adopter of electric folk during the 1970s’ first years, he has persistently investigated the textural potentials offered by both electric and acoustic guitars.
His association with Stivell began in 1967, soon after relocating to Brittany in western France. For over ten years, he formed a crucial part of Stivell’s sonic identity, contributing significantly to nine albums by the artist, among them the landmark Renaissance of the Celtic Harp from 1972 and the 1994 reunion effort Again.
Following the 1976 dissolution of Stivell’s band, Ar Bras joined Fairport Convention for half a year without participating in any recordings. He then formed his own ensemble rooted in tradition yet adept at electric performance, which produced a rock rendition of the Lennon and McCartney composition “Rain.”
Midway through the 1980s, Ar Bras adopted a Celtic acoustic guitar technique and released the atmospheric Music for Silences to Come in 1985.
During the 1990s, he put together the fifty-piece ensemble L’Heritage Des Celtes. Their self-titled studio album appeared in 1994, succeeded the next year by the live disc En Concert.
Ar Bras maintains ties to Fairport Convention through sessions at Dave Pegg’s Woodworm studios close to Banbury in Oxfordshire and frequent appearances at the group’s yearly Cropedy festival. ~ Craig Harris
His association with Stivell began in 1967, soon after relocating to Brittany in western France. For over ten years, he formed a crucial part of Stivell’s sonic identity, contributing significantly to nine albums by the artist, among them the landmark Renaissance of the Celtic Harp from 1972 and the 1994 reunion effort Again.
Following the 1976 dissolution of Stivell’s band, Ar Bras joined Fairport Convention for half a year without participating in any recordings. He then formed his own ensemble rooted in tradition yet adept at electric performance, which produced a rock rendition of the Lennon and McCartney composition “Rain.”
Midway through the 1980s, Ar Bras adopted a Celtic acoustic guitar technique and released the atmospheric Music for Silences to Come in 1985.
During the 1990s, he put together the fifty-piece ensemble L’Heritage Des Celtes. Their self-titled studio album appeared in 1994, succeeded the next year by the live disc En Concert.
Ar Bras maintains ties to Fairport Convention through sessions at Dave Pegg’s Woodworm studios close to Banbury in Oxfordshire and frequent appearances at the group’s yearly Cropedy festival. ~ Craig Harris
Albums