Jaw dropping folk-jazz of Celtic heritage – sublime vocals remind of Joni Mitchell or Linda Perhacs – file Awen Ensemble’s great debut next to Pentangle

Having not left the stereo since it arrived, the lead single by seven-piece folk-jazz collective Awen Ensemble has been scorching the ears and igniting the soul at World Treasures HQ.

The collective shared their first lead single Ionawr ahead of debut album, Cadair Idris, on New Soil and it has folk-jazz fans frothing in anticipation. The beautiful, wistful sound on Ionawr has given a precious glimpse of the mastery and mystery of Awen Ensemble and their forthcoming work.

Ionawr – translated as ‘January’ – showcases the sublime vocal talents of Amy Clark as narrator.

The group shares a Celtic heritage, which can be heard on album Cadair Idris, out on April 12th. The label promises “an enchanting coming together of druidic mysticism, wild landscapes, spoken word and soaring improvisation. Offering a fresh perspective on folk-influenced jazz from the British Isles, Awen Ensemble are embarking on a legend of their own making.”

The collective are creating from a close-knit musical community in Leeds, England, where the seven-piece are inspired to fuse their Welsh, Irish and Scottish roots.

Based on the myth of Cadair Idris, the Eryri (previously Snowdonia) mountain close to the heart of trumpet player and band leader Emyr Penry Dance, the album follows the journey of a young woman who spends a night on the mountain side in search of personal transformation. “The narrative unfolds over nine wistful, wind-swept tracks, like a pagan dream-sequence with a spiritual jazz sensibility.”