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Watch: ‘Jimi Hendrix of the banjo’ plays Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau as you’ve never heard it before

20 Jul 2022 2 minute read
Don Vappie is playing at Taliesin Arts Centre on Friday 22nd July

Creole musician Don Vappie, described as the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the banjo’ comes to Wales on Friday as part of his “Jazz Créole” transatlantic tour.

The award-winning Creole musician will take to the stage at Taliesin Arts Centre in Swansea drawing on 300 years of New Orleans musical traditions

Combining traditional to modern day funk with the classic early tradition of a string band, Vappie is widely considered to be one of the best banjoists in the history of New Orleans and has been inducted into the Banjo Museum Hall of Fame.

Ahead of his arrival in Wales, he sent a little preview of him and band mate Dave Kelbie performing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau with a Jazz Créole twist, and it’s pretty amazing.

Starting off pretty traditionally, by the end of second verse it gets flipped and given the New Orleans Jazz Créole treatment.

Vappie will be joined on the tour by UK clarinetist David Horniblow, formerly of the Chris Barber band, and guitarist Dave Kelbie of The Dime Notes, Django a la Créole and accompanist to many musicians worldwide, and his rhythm section partner in many line-ups Paris powerhouse bass player Sébastien Girardot.

More details about the gig which starts at 7.30pm on Friday 22nd July can be found here and tickets can be booked online here or by calling the box office on 01792 602060 between 10am and 3pm.


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Kerry Davies
Kerry Davies
2 years ago

Not exactly Tich Gwylim but different.

Joe Bloggs
Joe Bloggs
2 years ago
Reply to  Kerry Davies

It was said originally in relation to his versatility, and mastering of his given instrument, rather than playing in a Hendrix style. When taken out of context as so many things, it is open to conjecture.

Erisian
Erisian
2 years ago

You’ve never heard Jimi Hendrix, have you?

Last edited 2 years ago by Erisian
arthur owen
2 years ago
Reply to  Erisian

Do your readers know of any other national anthems that have been given the rock treatment.

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
2 years ago
Reply to  arthur owen

Hendrix also gave ‘God Save The Queen’ the same treatment, if memory serves…you-tube to the rescue maybe. But his rendition of ‘Star Spangled Banner’ finally convinced my father of his virtuosity…we both went to see Woodstock. but separately, me in the cheap seats and him further back…maybe Lemmy did, he still surprises me that man…

Last edited 2 years ago by Mab Meirion
arthur owen
2 years ago

Its a free country,I suppose.

Llefain
Llefain
2 years ago

OK, but can he play Yma o Hyd? 😂

No, seriously, that was cool. Diolch man, neis.

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