Ghazalaw-openingnight-womex2013-foto-eric-van-nieuwland-2-of-8-1024x683Ghazalaw celebrates the affinity between Indian Ghazal and the Welsh folk tradition. Mumbai singer Tauseef Akhtar and Welsh singer-songwriter Gwyneth Glyn weave the love poetry of their two ancient traditions together to the accompaniment of harp, tabla, guitar and harmonium.

Tauseef Akhtar was introduced to Gwyneth Glyn through their mutual mastering friend Donal Wheelan of Hafod Mastering. With support from Wales Arts International the two artists came together to explore their musical affinity. Over six days in the Roundhouse, St Hilary, Ghazalaw was born.

In November 2012 Gwyneth invited Welsh harpist Georgia Ruth to join her and Tauseef in Mumbai to develop the songs further with musicians Ashish Jha, Manas Kumar and Sanjoy Das. Ghazalaw performed in Mumbai, at the Desert Festival, Delhi and featured at the Indiearth Exchange in Chennai.

“a prince among ghazal singers and a pioneer of Welsh folk have collided two apparently disparate genres together with delightful results” 4*, Amardeep Dhillon, Songlines Magazine

“Sweet malleable voices, which blend beautifully…these two vocalists have created a romantic tapestry of songs that draw simultaneously on the rich history of Urdu and Welsh traditions” 4* Simon Broughton, London Evening Standard

“…a marvellous example of finding common ground” 5* Ken Hunt, fRoots

“Seamlessly unites the traditions of North Indian ghazal and Welsh folk music with magnificent precision” 4*, Amardeep Dhillon, Songlines Magazine

“Easy on the ear, lyrical and seductive….” 4* Simon Broughton, London Evening Standard

“Lush… seductive tabla rhythms play against sparking harp…the two lead voices mingle in conversational delight” 4*, David Honigmann, The Financial Times

“The best new cross-cultural album I’ve heard this year” Cerys Matthews

“Molasses sweet vocals…light, wistful and memorable” 4* Buzz Magazine

“Tauseef Akhtar and Gwyneth Glyn fuse a beautiful album of Welsh and Indian folk music, drawing on both styles – and yes it really does work…the two styles weave together beautifully” 4* Sacred Hoop Magazine