News / Blog

DAMMED NATIONS TOUR!
NUBA NOUR / SIAN JAMES / GAi ToMS.   Feb 19, 2014

The time has come! Please visit the site for more info...

www.dammednations.com

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URDD Eisteddfod anthem.  Feb 12, 2014

Cwmni'r Fran Wen are in charge of putting together the pieces for this years childrens Urdd Eisteddfod Show (Bala, Gwynedd). Once again, Gai has been asked to contribute by composing the anthem for the show.

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GAi ToMS the director? BLAENAU: Heddiw, Ddoe a Fory. Feb 10, 2014

GT is about to unleash his theatric skills again and devise a community show based on old National Library Wales' archive films. Blaenau: Heddiw, Ddoe a Fory is a 'marathon' based production using old films of the area as sparks to create new works of poetry, song, script and... new film. Together with poet Sian Northey and film dude Owain Llyr they hope to create an unique piece of work celebrating the area's history, current talents and future hopes.

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NEW BAND! BRYTHON SHAG!  January 27, 2014

GT proudly announces that his new band 'Brython Shag' are in the studio and will be gigging soon. It has taken 3 years of hard work on the seas of creation... we're now treading sand.

Vocals - Ceri C
Bass - Deian Rhys Jones
Guitar - Gai Toms
Drums - Jason Hughes

Sneak preview vid (YOUTUBE)

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NEW SINGLE / VIDEO  16 December, 2013.

'Cefn Trwsgl' Available for download from this date. Proceeds of sales go to Cwmorthin Appeal. (Heritage Enterprise to conserve old industrial buildings in the magical valley of Cwmorthin, Bl.Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, Wales.) Watch this space @sbenshmusic / @gaitoms (twitter) for links.

DAMMED NATIONS!   16 July, 2013

GT has been collaborating with folk singer Sian James and Nubian (Egypt) singers 'Nuba Nour' on a project linking communities that have been dammed and flooded in the name of 'progress'. The crew have spent a week in Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan sharing and rehearsing ideas, songs and poems mainly based on the effects of the Aswan Dam and Llyn Celyn (Tryweryn). Tour dates for 2014 (Wales & England) will be announced later in the year. Project arranged by 'Access all Areas'.

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BETHEL now in iTunes / Spotify!    28 JANUARY, 2013

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HAPPY NEW YEAR         5 JANUARY, 2013

Bethel to be released on most online stores soon (MP3 dnlds)

Also... a Ltd Vinyl - 'Bethel V' (best of Bethel) out in 2013, date TBC

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PRESS RELEASE. (by RECORDIAU SBENSH)              26 NOVEMBER, 2012

GAi ToMS – BETHEL
The long awaited double album. A feast of music!  (CD)

This is Gai Toms’ second album since Mim Twm Llai. This time, a double album / 2 CD’s. 1. Bethel ‘Hen’ (Old) and 2. Bethel ‘Newydd’ (New).

Bethel is a celebration of the new life given to the old Bethel Chapel vestry in Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog. Gai Toms is converting it into a recording studio, rehearsal space and office for SBENSH Records. Before completing the work on the building he decided to record an album as a tribute to the old, and to celebrate the new. All lyrics are in Welsh.

CD1. Bethel ‘Hen’ (Old) is a chance to hear Gai Toms raw and exposed, mainly guitar and vocals recorded live with atmospheric overdubs. ‘Old’ it’s title may be, but the songs are fresh, peppered with timeless indie folk vibes.

CD2. Bethel ‘Newydd’ (New) on the other hand is recorded mainly with the Gai Toms band consisting of 12 multi-genre classics, richer and fuller in production. You only have to listen to Anweledig and Mim Twm Llai to see that Gai is confident in moving from one genre to another, and does so effortlessly.

“I’ve worked hard on Bethel, it’s my best album to date and really proud of what I’ve achieved. But, I couldn’t of done it without those involved, I’m so lucky to be part of such a musically talented community here in North Wales.”

Bethel is a feast of music that clearly shows the artist’s commitment to his work. This is Gai Toms at his best, Bethel should be part of everyone’s music collection!

Contributors: Even though Gai Toms is a solo outfit, there’s a wealth of artists contributing to the sonic texture of this album. His faithful band appears of course, but there’s also a specially written poem by poet / author Dewi Prysor, The Oakley Brass Band and Côr y Moelwyn help to create an epic sound, Sax man Edwin Humphreys makes his 75th appearance on a record and New York poet Bob Holman adds flare with an improvised scat. There are also special appearances by Tanygrisiau musicians including Dr Meredydd Evans (94 yrs of age), Ceri Cunnington (Twmffat), Phil Lee Jones (Gwibdaith Hen Fran / Twmffat), Lauren Humphreys, Kaz & Asa Bentham (Estella), Owain Jones (Masters in France) & Ysgol Tanygrisiau school choir. (full list available on CD sleeve)

LAUNCH GIG / PARTY: Thursday night, December 6th, Cellb, Blaenau Ffestiniog. Gai Toms & band will play a one hour set of songs from the album between 8.30 & 9.30. Same night as ‘Noson Goleuo Stiniog’ (Xmas lights). All welcome!

BETHEL will be available to buy in CD & MP3 format. CD price £12.99!
From the Sbensh website / Sadwrn.com / Welsh shops / iTunes / Amazon etc

Gai Toms & band will tour Bethel in 2013. Dates TBC!

Gigs 2014