A HOST of heavenly voices from across the planet has been unveiled as part of Llais – a celebration of music and song which takes place in Cardiff in October.
The programme at the Wales Millennium Centre includes the world premiere of David Crosby’s lost masterpiece ‘If I Could Only Remember my Name’, and a selection of Crosby’s music with The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young adapted by the Waterboys Mike Scott and performed by a group of artists including Liam ó Maonlaí, Kris Drever and The Staves with musical direction by Kate St John.
Soul legends Sweet Honey in the Rock and world music superstars Mysteres de Voix Bulgares will perform, with a rare appearance by Joan Wasser, aka Joan As Police Woman.
Fantastic Racket, a music and poetry night, compered by author and poet Michael Pederson includes Irvine Welsh, Hollie McNish, Le Gateau Chocolat and Sara Pascoe, with films by David Shrigley.
Graeme Farrow, Creative Officer for the Centre said: ““This Autumn, the Wales Millennium Centre will light up Cardiff Bay like a living jukebox – a dream playlist mixing traditions, genres and geographies – celebrating difference while uniting a wild array of voices from across the planet. The second wave of confirmed acts reveals a shimmering constellation of voices spoken and sung – from voices of prayer and protest to heavenly harmonies and howls of a complex world. We invite you to explore, to draw the lines and plot your journey between them all.”
Llais, which means Voice, in the Welsh language, runs from October 9 – 24 as part of the Cardiff Music Festival (Sept 27 – October 20).
The full Llais line up also includes a double bill from Bristol five-piece Squid, with Geordie Greep, front man and guitarist with Black Midi. Irish song writer Lisa O’Neill, singer songwriter Fabiano Palladino and Brighton band Porridge Radio also feature.
Homegrown acts make a strong showing, with a gig by bilingual act Rogue Jones and Aberystwyth- based Georgia Hood. Gwen Sion’s mountain opus ‘Llwch a Llechi’ which mixes field recordings with homemade electronica instruments made of slate and wood with a quarry choir.
Somali artist Sahra Halgan makes her Welsh debut, as does Niger artist Bombino, the first artist from Niger to receive a Grammy nomination. You can also catch Australian duo Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, who perform in the Noongar language, spoken by only 400 people in Western Australia. Gina Williams said: “We couldn’t be more excited to premier our latest work in Cardiff, the city that inspired us to pursue music as a pathway to the revival of our language.”
Llais also includes workshops aimed at getting young people involved in the music industry.
The closing gala Fantastic Rackett, promises to be a mind bending celebration of the power of voice. Say the organisers: “Think glitzy closing gala meets kooky variety show. Think avant-garde sound-chamber meets electric seaweed ceilidh.”
See full programme and buy tickets here:
