22-03-2010
Hi all, and welcome to the first blog of 2010! It must have been a busy few months, or how else could we explain the lack of a Blog till now!? A few of us are going to be taking it in turns to write some words of (possibly?) wisdom here, and we'll try and get something new up every week if poss... The big news of the year so far has to be our second album's nomination for a Classical Brit award! We were all delighted when Band of Brothers went straight to number one in the classical charts, to be voted album of the year would be quite incredible. I'm sure you've all voted, but if not here's the link: http://brits.co.uk/classicalbrits We had a great third visit to the United States in March, performing in three different events to help our transatlantic friends celebrate Wales Week. (This is an annual festival of Welshness in New York held around St David's Day.) We were trailed by a camera crew who are making a documentary about us (this will be screened later this year.) currently entitled 'New Tredegar to New York.' (New Tredegar was where we first performed and also had our 10th Anniversary concert three days before heading for the States..) They had some great ideas for filming, and we ended up giving several memorable and hugely enjoyable performances across Manhattan. Particular thanks must go to: Sandy Levine at the Carnegie Deli. If you ever want a light bite in the big apple don't go here, if you want a challenge, do! The food was great as was the welcome given to us. Sandy assured us that you can't play Carnegie hall until you've played Carnegie Deli, so maybe next year.. The Greater File Baptist Church on 155th Street. We all felt quite privileged to be able to witness the wonderful worship at this fantastic church. They sang with such incredible passion, we were all slightly nervous when it came to our turn to sing! We started with 'Gwahoddiad' and ended our performance with 'Bridge over Troubled Water.' (Tim chose to accompany us on the piano rather than the Hammond organ which was used by the Gospel choir.) The congregation's reaction was amazing, people leaping to their feet, clapping and calling for more! We ended by joining their gospel choir for a number, quite a morning! Since our return from America we've been kept busy. We were honoured to be part of the Classical Relief single 'The Prayer for Haiti' and have also performed at several other exciting events in March already! I think that's enough from me for one week, as I said another one of the guys will be here soon, and I'd better leave them something to report on! Andy X