9 Bach
| 9Bach | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Bethesda, Wales |
| Genres | Folk, world music, acid folk |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Labels | Real World Records |
| Associated acts | Gruff Rhys |
| Website |
www |
| Members |
Lisa Jen Martin Hoyland Ali Byworth Esyllt Glyn Jones Mirain Roberts Dan Swain |
9Bach is an alternative folk group formed by Welsh singer-songwriter and pianist Lisa Jen and guitarist Martin Hoyland, a veteran of 1990s alt-rock band Pusherman.[1] The group now includes Ali Byworth (drums and percussion), Dan Swain (bass guitar), Esyllt Glyn Jones (harp, vocals), and Mirain Roberts (vocals). The sextet's name puns on "nain," the word for "grandmother" in north Wales; "bach" means "small" in Welsh.[2]
When the group began in 2005, its repertoire mainly consisted of traditional Welsh-language folk songs.[3] Its self-titled debut album was released in 2009. Jen sang on Gruff Rhys's 2007 album, Candylion,[4] and toured with Rhys in that period.
In 2015, 9Bach's album Tincian ("resonate") won Best Album at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.[5] The band was joined onstage by Bethesda-based male voice choir Côr Penrhyn for their final song of the evening.[6]
The band's third album, Anian, ("nature") was released May 13, 2016. Its title song was written by actor-musician Rhys Ifans, who sings it on 9Bach's recording. "Deryn" is sung by musician and Real World founder Peter Gabriel. The album incorporates Greek and Middle Eastern musical influences.[7]