If you’ve been keeping an eye on the UK jazz scene in recent years, you’re likely to be familiar with the Awen Ensemble. The Leeds-based collective has released a string of amazing tracks from the vibrant Eastern European harmonies and West African grooves found in their debut ‘Zorny’ to their fresh take on the iconic Irish folk song, ‘She Moves Through The Fair’. With many influences at play when describing their music, it’s rather a challenging task to fit it neatly into one box because it is so wonderfully fluid, pulling on the strings of diverse musical traditions to create something wonderfully unique.

Drawing listeners in with their distinct combination of styles, the Awen Ensemble belongs to an exciting breed of musicians who are reshaping what jazz can sound like. They combine the soulful improvisation of jazz with the heartwarming narrative structure of folk, creating a delightful listening experience.

Awe Ensemble comprises Amy Clark – Vocals, Emyr Penry Dance – Trumpet / Flugel, Saul Duff – Tenor Saxophone, Ruari Graham – Electric Guitar, Glen Leach – Fender Rhodes, Joe Wilkes – Upright Bass, Eddie Bowes – Bodhrán.

The collective is gearing up for the release of their debut album Cadair Idris (April 12th) and a few weeks back they gave us a taste with the spellbinding ballad ‘Ionawr’. With their latest offering ‘Idris’, they show us a different side of their musical prowess.

Kicking into gear with the deft interplay between Joe Wilkes’ bassline and guitarist Ruari Graham setting the expansive scene, as the melodic refrains and a propulsive rhythm emerge like a mountain from the mist. Here Amy Clark’s vocals add another layer to the horn section, creating a sense of strength and trepidation in the challenges to come.

If ‘Ionawr’ was the enticing appetizer and ‘Idris’ the sophistically surprising first course, one can only imagine what a full-course musical feast the album Cadair Idris will provide!