Blogs
Terrible News about the Welsh Publisher, University of Wales Press
By Zoe Brigley Thompson, 2010-12-08
Without a viable source of funding for academic publishing in Wales, Welsh Studies that is scholarship about Wales and scholarship in the Welsh language will be in an untenable position. It will be unable to perform in the Research Evaluation Framework (REF) and unable to take its place on an international platform. In order to understand its culture, interrogate its past and build a meaningful future, Wales needs its researchers and teachers. Without a means to circulate research, scholarship and teaching will fade and die.
WRITE TO HEFCW AND THE WELSH ASSEMBLYThe key issues involved in this issue are outlined below and we hope that as many people as possible will call for a reversal of HEFCWs decision.We suggest that you write to the following (contact details are given at the end of this document).Mr Roger Thomas, Chair of HEFCW CouncilProfessor Philip Gummett, Chief Executive of HEFCWLeighton Andrews, Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning in the Welsh Assembly GovernmentYour constituency AMYour list AMYour MPA list of Council Members of HEFCW is given in a separate doc, do write to any you know personally.We suggest that your letters to HEFCW ask that the full Council be shown your correspondence.
The HEFCW Publications Grant has funded about 15 titles a year since 1999. It served (in HEFCWs own words) to boost research in Wales; to boost the standing of higher education and of higher education institutions in Wales; to fulfil the Councils objectives in relation to Welsh language and culture, particularly in relation to scholarship in these areas (from Criteria for the use of the HEFCW Grant). From now on, however, HEFCW proposes that these funds will be distributed to individual universities, which can then allocate funding for such publications if they consider that publication of the kind hitherto supported by the HEFCW Publication Fund is an academic priority for them (from HEFCW letter to UWP).
In the short term, with the REF just around the corner, individual universities might allocate some funds towards Welsh publications. However, there seems little chance that this will be sustained. In the longer term, this money (which is not ringfenced) is likely to be used for other purposes. Welsh scholarship will be seriously damaged as a consequence.The new funding system replaces the block grant paid directly to UWP with a piecemeal system. This will leave UWP with considerably reduced editorial control, as it will increasingly have to make decisions based on funding attached to titles rather than on their intrinsic quality. This will undermine the planning and sustainability of key series.Funds may not be allocated to the universities which are producing the best Welsh scholarship in any one year. Moreover, significant work in the field by scholars not based at Welsh universities will not be funded.
Welsh scholarship both work in the Welsh language and work about Wales will have no specialist University Press. As a result, very little scholarly research on Welsh subjects will be published.Younger scholars, those based outside Wales and others not directly employed by universities wishing to invest in REF publications will not be able to publish crucial research.A lack of research publications will be seen as a sign of academic weakness and will undermine scholarship in a diverse range of Welsh studies.
It is not economically viable. HEFCW recognises this under the new system when it suggests that individual Universities can provide publishing subsidies from the redistributed funds.
Publishers outside Wales tend to lack the interest or necessary expertise in Wales-related fields. As such, they are unlikely to accept Welsh-language material or books primarily exploring the history and culture of Wales.These were the conditions which prompted the creation of the HEFCW grant in 1999 and the situation has not improved.
Care to tell our members and readers something about your musical background ? Noelle: There was always music going on in our house and family. All three of my brothers are musicians (one of whom, Daniel Hughes, is an internationally-known choral conductor, and whose choir, The Choral Project, took 2nd place in the Mixed Choir competition at the 58th annual International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales). Also, my father sang and played the cornet and both of my mother's parents were musicians.
During my teens I began a journal and I picked up a little guitar from a class I had taken during summer break from school. These journal musings later turned into songs.
I also sang in the church choir from age 11. There were two choir groups for kids, but I wanted to sing in the adult choir, because they sang better music! I asked my parents to speak with the director about that and the director was pleasantly surprised. They made a special robe for me to wear and I sang with that group for several years: first as a soprano, then, after a three-month bout of pneumonia, an alto.
Through the late 80's-early 00's, I performed throughout the San Francisco Bay Area in original music bands: Das Tango, a dance-music group, Taste No More, a folk trio with a strong political edge tinged with ironic humor, and World For Ransom, an alternative-folk band. I've seen a lot of bands come and go. I also saw the decline of the live music scene in San Francisco, which is really sad for me--but that's for another discussion!
I took some time off from music due to this last fact, though, as it started to feel like I was just spinning my wheels. I kept writing but I wasn't performing or working with anyone.
A couple of years ago, I was complaining to my brother Dan about how stifled I felt, creatively (I'm also a visual artist and graphic designer, but music is where it's really at for me) and he pretty much slapped me across the head because I wasn't doing music any more!
That was when I decided to record i am me/am i not?
Americymru: Who would you say are your musical influences?
Noelle: My musical influences are hard to track due to the fact that there was such a diversity of musical training in my house growing up. I listened to a lot of Joni Mitchell, Kansas, ELP and Yes when I first started writing, and I think that Kerry Livgren (of Kansas) as well as Jon Anderson (of Yes) and Joni Mitchell have heavily influenced me as a writer. I'm not sure if any of that shows up in my work these days.
More recently, I'm all over the map. I listen to ambient, bhangra, Tom Waits, a lot of indie stuff. The rule of thumb for me is that if it's on the radio I'm probably not going to like it!
Vocally, I'm really trying to stretch myself to become a better singer and I'm always experimenting with my songwriting to express a thought or a feeling. I try to match the emotion to the note and then hang it on the right word. Or visa versa. It depends on whether I have the note first or the word first. It depends on where my inspiration started.
I'm hoping that I've transcended my influences.
Americymru: Your song 'Deeper Understanding' is very haunting both musically and lyrically. Care to tell us a little about how it came to be written?
Noelle: 'Deeper Understanding' was a sketch of a chord progression from a jam session with a friend of mine who wanted to get a duo together. We were going to call ourselves The Mad Hamiltons and had all these ideas about how we would perform and such, but we only ever had one jam session to create any material.
The song is about unconditional love and how the pathway to understanding is true and abiding love; the total freedom of love. Agape.
A lot of my songs explore spiritual themes or emotional challenges, because writing has always been a kind of therapy for me. It's often the only way I can get these things, these thoughts or feelings out. To process them out of my body.
This kind of writing can be a double-edged sword, because it can make the song hard to sing. On i am me/am i not? I have a song called, 'No One Told Me', which is a song I wrote after my father died unexpectedly. For a long time I was unable to get through that song without breaking down in tears in some way. What makes it more challenging with that piece it that it's solo voce!
When I write, I tend to discard the first several vocal melodies I come up with, outright. I keep moving away, moving away, moving away. I almost never want to use the first and most obvious vocal melody or harmony when I'm writing something, because if I do that, I'll never push myself to be a better writer.
Americymru: What is your Welsh connection?
Noelle: My father's mother's family was from Wales. Although I've known this all my life, my father was quite distant from his Welsh-ness and his connection to his family. Since he's been gone, I've felt more strongly than ever to connect with my roots and embrace my heritage. I'm delighted to have found AmeriCymru and look forward to learning more about my past, my Welsh culture and connect with other Welsh people. I have a goal to learn to speak Welsh.
Americymru: Where can people purchase your work online?
Noelle: I am available through:
iTunes
( http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/noelle-hughes/id351444518 ),
Amazon
( http://www.amazon.com/Am-Me-Not/dp/B0038AMZRU/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1289354232&sr=1-1 ) and
CD Baby ( http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/noellehughes ) as well as
Auryaun.com
( http://www.auryaun.com/sono )
Americymru: Whats next for Noelle Hughes?
Noelle: Plenty! As Auryaun (my stage character), I'm in the process of recording a follow up album that will feature new tracks and a rework of a couple of tracks from i am me/am i not?. I'm also in the process of storyboarding for music videos for 'Deeper Understanding' and a couple of other tracks, which will be filmed using a really unique method. I'll be posting those to my YouTube Channel when they are complete, so your readers will want to subscribe to me there so as not to miss that. http://www.youtube.com/user/auryaun
As Noelle Hughes, I've been rehearsing and recording with my fellow chanteuse, Billie Eyeball (of Taste No More and World For Ransom). We should be lining up some shows in the SF Bay Area soon, so look out for that!
Noelle: I'm offering all members and readers of AmeriCymru a free download of 'Deeper Understanding' when they sign up for my E-Team by going to my website at http://www.auryaun.com/AmeriCymru . Just as a special thank you!
Diolch
A Croeso! Did I do that right?
United States Premiere of Karl Jenkins’ Newest Masterpiece Gloria Launches DCINY’s 2011 Concert Season
By Ceri Shaw, 2010-12-08
Concert for Peace Celebrating the Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Win Two Tickets for the show HERE If you are an AmeriCymru member email us to claim your discount code for 20% reduction on ticket purchase price.
The performance of Gloria will mark the works United States Premiere. In composing Gloria, Jenkins used the Latin text of the Gloria, derived from the song of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus. Interested in exploring how other religions conceive of the divine, Jenkins also selected excerpts from the Bhagavad Gita, the Diamond Sutra, the Tao Te Ching, and the Quran. This spirit of inclusion makes it an ideal commemoration for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Rounding out the program is Jenkins Stabat Mater. The text is a powerful hymn dating from the 13th century that meditates on the suffering of Mary during Christs crucifixion. Says Jenkins, I tend to look outside the purely Western European tradition for inspiration and freshness so, apart from setting the religious text, I have also included words by ancient writers from what is now the Middle East. Stabat Mater also includes instruments and solo vocals characteristic of Middle Eastern music.
Stabat Mater will feature mezzo-soprano Charlotte Daw Paulsen, whose recent appearance in Rossini's Petite Messe Solenelle was called "dramatic in the best sense and utterly gripping" by the New York Times. Ms. Paulsen's Western classical singing will be juxtaposed with the Middle Eastern-based vocals of Belinda Sykes, who will also demonstrate her virtuosity on the mey, a Middle Eastern reed instrument. Both works will also feature Distinguished Concerts Singers International, a stellar group of vocalists from across the US, South Africa, and England.
Welshman Karl Jenkins is one of the most prolific, popular, and performed composers in the world today, with a powerful style that continually transcends musical boundaries. He was appointed as Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2005 for services to music.
Maestro Dr. Jonathan Griffiths conducting credits include the Manhattan Philharmonic, the New England Symphonic Ensemble, and the European Symphony Orchestra. His 45-plus Carnegie Hall appearances since 1989 have spanned major works of the classical repertoire.
Founded by Iris Derke (General Director) and Jonathan Griffith (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor) Distinguished Concerts International is driven by passion, innovative vision, a total belief in its artists, and unwavering commitment to bringing forth unforgettable audience experiences. With over 20 combined years of experience, DCINY is a creative producing entity with unmatched integrity that is a talent incubator, a star-maker, and a presenter of broadly accessible, world-class musical entertainment. For more information about Distinguished Concerts International in New York and upcoming DCINY musical events around the world, please visit: www.dciny.org , or call toll free: 1-877-MYDCINY.
Tickets may be purchased by calling CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800 or by visiting www.carnegiehall.org . For more information on group sales or other special offers, please contact us at 212-707-8566, Ext. 307 or BoxOffice@DCINY.org. Press inquiries and interviews may be arranged by contacting Johanna Kodlick, 212-707-8566, Ext. 305 or Johanna@DCINY.org.
Welsh actor Matthew Rhys has bought the fil rights to 'Operation Julie' . Read more here:- Matthew Rhys buys Operation Julie film rights
Read our interview with Lyn Ebenezer ( author of 'Operation Julie' ) here:- Ten Questions with Lyn Ebenezer - Author of 'Operation Julie'
Read our review of Matthew Rhys's new book 'Patagonia' here:- Book Review: "Patagonia", Matthew Rhys
houseCrossword.pdf
No one is a bigger fan of Sir Tom Jones than I am. I know, I know. Thats bold and clichd talk, especially from a 38 year old American guy whos never hurled any form of undergarment at the man (several Welsh Flags, yes. . . but panties? No.) But suffice it to say that I was beyond excited to learn late this past summer that Sir Tom, now 70, was releasing his 39th studio album, mysteriously titled Praise & Blame. As I waited in line (ok, it was just me), I was already relishing the long drive home, and rockin out at embarrassingly high volume levels, to a whole new slate of poppy, upbeat, feel-good tunes from the Voice. I have never been so glad to be so wrong.
Sir Toms latest effort is unexpected . . . and unexpectedly brilliant. And I dont mean that as a slight to his storied catalogue of work (after all, I sing in a tribute band to the man told you I was a big fan). I guess I was expecting a continuation of his previous, and well-received, effort 24 Hours (released Nov. 2008), which was a modern pop album full of fun, and brass. However, right from the start, you know Praise & Blame reveals a more soulful, mature Voice. This is a different Tom, one weve not heard before.
Praise & Blame was recorded live in the studio, old school style and you can tell. In homage to his former peers, and the masters of his era (Sinatra, for example, always preferred to record this way, with the band alongside him, in the studio), each track easily moves and breathes, almost organically. Sir Toms interplay with the (stellar) musicians and backing vocalists is natural, and apparent. This recording style yields a tangible honesty to the tracks that meshes perfectly with Sir Toms raw, graceful vocals throughout. But lets jump in and tackle the rest of P&B track by track . . . .
What Good Am I? track one immediately grabs you with its soft, slow, deliberate tones. Sir Tom introduces you to P&B s soulful journey with this Bob Dylan cover, in almost a confessional whisper, asking the title question with a prayer-like quietness. It is gently haunting, and yet powerful in its self-introspective honesty.
Lord Help Sir Tom picks up the pace here, in this blues-rock spiritual. One of a very few flat out rockin numbers on the album, here Sir Tom sends a prayer for help to all the worlds sinners, gamblers, and war-torn people of this land. On this one, I was able to seriously crank up the volume and rock out, on that long drive home. Sir Tom really shows off his range here, belting out the highs in the chorus, harkening back to piercing notes of yester-year hits like Thunderball, and Till, that only the Voice can pull off.
Did Trouble Me the third track here, really cements the tone for the rest of P&B as the main attraction is not the heart-wrenching vocals, but the intense, exposed emotional honesty of the lyrics, as Sir Tom reminds us that his God in the whisper of the wind, in the rhythm of song . . . . will trouble me with a word or sign, like the ringing of a bell in the back of my mind. This is an utterly beautiful, soulful ballad, and I never thought Id say that of song that so prominently features a banjo, but there it is.
Strange Things the fourth track is a traditional spiritual in a sort of rockabilly arrangement I warned you that this album wasnt a mod version of whats new pussycat?! More upbeat, the band is great here, but (unbiasedly) not as great as the Voice.
Burning Hell this cover of the Johnny Lee Hooker classic was the only song Id heard before purchasing the cd (which I actually bought twice, as my brother stole my cd, so I bought it again on iTunes . . . youre welcome, Sir Tom.) Its one of the standout, rockin and best tracks on the album, and the one Sir Tom has most often selected to perform in promoting P&B on the daytime, and late night TV circuit in recent months. In true blues style, Sir Tom grittily belts out maybe there aint no Heaven / maybe there aint no Hell, accompanied only by the drums and a loud, sexy, skuzzy guitar sound. The rock-out quotient is high here, as well. The spiritual introspection on Burning Hell also continues as Sir Tom asks, when I die, where will I go? . . . somebody please tell me. As the journey through the rest of the tracks on P&B continues, the quest for an answer to this question continues . . . .
If I Give My Soul this cover of a Billy Joe Shaver song, is my favorite track here. Sir Tom (perhaps a little too) perfectly captures the tortured soul of a man, at the end of his life, replete with regret, standing before Jesus literally with his hat clutched in my hand. Only in this track are you reminded that Sir Tom is anywhere near 70 years old, as he fills this song with the heart-breaking, soulful delivery of a man whos wasted days and loves that hes begging his Lord to restore. The emotion here is real, and when he sings if I give my soul, will my son love me again? . . . well, if that doesnt bring a tear, or at least move you even a little bit, then please report to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Dont Knock Sir Tom lifts the mood here, and gives your box of Kleenex a break, with a lively spiritual track that Jerry Lee Lewis wouldve been proud of. The musicianship, and choral backing are first rate.
Nobodys Fault But Mine this track is more quintessentially bluesy, and is spiritually akin to the tones of If I Give My Soul, as Sir Toms tells us that if he loses his soul, it aint nobodys fault but mine, as he had good lovin in my home, and I gotta Bible in my home, etc. Sir Tom credibly continues P&B s spiritual confessional here, in this stripped-down blues number.
Didnt It Rain one of the better examples of the exposed beauty that is the Voice at 70. His interpretation and delivery of the Noah-esque lyrics is characteristically unique, and moving.
Aint No Grave no disrespect to the late, great Johnny Cash, but Sir Toms version here although in a similar arrangement is far superior. Not the best track on the album, but very well done and maintains the spiritual continuity of P&B.
Run On the 11th and final track on P&B is a straight-up, undeniably catchy blues song (also previously covered by the likes of Johnny Cash, Elvis, and many others). When Sir Tom cuts lose in an early chorus and belts out the sinners warning, tell the rambler, the gambler, the back-biter, tell em God Almightys gonna cut you down , you cant help but feel the sheer joy and power in the Voice. Yeah, hes still got it, and then some.
At this stage of his career, Sir Toms voice lends itself perfectly to the selections on P&B, showing hes still got a knack for picking winners, and is wise enough to play to his strengths. His still-powerful voice rumbles at the lower registers with a credibility and gravitas unmatched by anyone in the biz today maybe ever. And when you match this with the soul-piercingly-deep and introspective spirituality that the lyrics on P&B offers, then you just might have Sir Toms best album ever. I know, I know. . . thats bold talk for a 38 year old American guy, who cant even read music. . . but its definitely worth your time and a listen. You might just discover a whole new Voice.
APPEAL: Rhys Ifans and Ensemble Cymru -First Welsh recording of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf
By Peryn Clement-Evans2, 2010-12-03
In 2011, Ensemble Cymru (Resident Orchestral Ensemble at Bangor University and Venue Cymru(Llandudno) will be working for the benefit of thousands of children in primary schools across Wales with Honorary Fellow of the University,the internationally acclaimed actor Rhys Ifans . Rhys will be giving his time and all future royalties towards the Ensemble's future work in schools.
The project has been especially chosen by the Big Give for its Christmas Challenge. On behalf of Ensemble Cymru (a registered charity), we are asking you to help us to unlock the Christmas Challenge match fund for the benefit of children across Wales. The match fund can double donations 1 for 1 given through
the website of the Big Give from 10am Monday December 6th on.
If you would like to help us to create this resource for Welsh children across the world then pledge your donation (which can be doubled) on
Thank you so much,
Peryn Clement-Evans
Artistic DirectorFull details on www.ensemblecymru.co.uk
I am very excited by the potential of this innovative approach for childrens education. There is a dearth of bilingual materials, and this will help address this with a quality resource."
Colin Baker
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) & Professor of EducationBangor University
Wales Favourite Bad Boy Rediscovers His Welsh Roots - A Review of 'Two Dragons' by Howard Marks
By Ceri Shaw, 2010-12-03
This book opens dramatically with a description of a major cardiac incident resulting in hospitalization for the author. Thankfully the attack was survivable and we move on rapidly to a description of the rather stressful lifestyle which produced it.
For anyone who doesn''t know who he is, Howard Marks a.k.a Mr Nice a.k.a Marco Polo , born in Kenfig Hill, South Wales is one of the world''s most notorious and successful drug dealers. In a career which spanned the 1970''s and 1980''s he moved vast quantities of cannabis around the globe and became one of the most wanted international criminals in the USA. Eventually apprehended in 1988 he served seven years in the infamous Terre Haute Correctional Facility in Indiana. Upon his release Howard left dope-smuggling behind and rapidly transformed himself into a best selling author and media personality. Recently his first book ''Mr Nice'' was made into a film starring Rhys Ifans in the title role. Would be viewers in the US will have to wait as it has, as yet, no US distributor. Howard Marks is now regarded as a folk hero by many in Wales and this book finds him exploring his Welsh roots with surprising and fascinating results.
Howard Marks genealogical researches reveal that his great great grandfather was Billy the Kid''s brother. He also establishes that he is distantly related to the infamous Welsh smuggler William Owen whose previously unknown autobiography was discovered in 1982. Marks says of him that:- "...his chronicle of scams, acquittals and debauchery would put any modern day smuggler or playboy to shame." Additionally there is a Chicago mob connection. We learn that Howard is related to Willie Bevan Marks. At one point in the book his aunt Afon Wen informs him that:- "...., your great-grandfather Dafydd''s brother, became a notorious Chicago gangster, He was Bugs Moran''s first lieutenant. I wasn''t a bit surprised when you became a famous smuggler. Not a bit"
The book has its more serious and reflective moments. Recalling a subsequently cancelled BBC project to produce a biopic based on his life the author observes that:- "...opinions vary when people consider whether criminals should benefit indirectly from their offensive behaviour." He goes on to point out that:- "I am still making money writing and talking about my past criminal adventures, and I am having a wonderful time." Wherever one stands on this issue I believe that Mr Marks deserves kudos for having raised it and for demonstrating an acute awareness of the moral dilemma which his post incarceration activities pose for many people.
The title ''Two Dragons'' reflects the books true theme. The contrast between the Wales that Howard Marks hated as a child and couldn''t wait to get away from and the modern Wales which he has returned to. Overall he takes an optimistic view:- "But now, the country is alive. One giant cauldron of musical talent, mysticism and enthusiasm" This view is balanced by a rather stoical, if defiant, observation made elsewhere in the book:-"No doubt the bad times will come again. But we are aware of that and we know ourselves. A few centuries of English force-feeding isn''t going to change anything as going through slavery and imprisonment is an integral part of growing up."
In the final chapter we find Howard Marks returning to his former globe-trotting ways. But no longer to facilitate megaton shipments of cannabis. This time he is visiting the former haunts of his boyhood hero Henry Morgan, former buccaneer and Governor of Jamaica. The account of his visit to Henry''s final home in Llanrumney, Jamaica is a delight to read . In particular it is fascinating to reflect that a labyrinthine series of caves underneath the site may contain vestiges of Captain Morgan''s fabled treasure. Howard is pictured at the site standing next to a large stone inscription which reads simply - ''Cartref'' ( home ).
All in all there is so much in this book, and so many further fruitful avenues to explore, that anyone with a love of Welsh history would be foolish to deny themselves the pleasure of reading it. There can be no hesitation in giving the book a five star rating and recommending it as the perfect christmas gift for anyone with a taste for lovable ( and not so lovable ) Welsh rogues.
