Described by Songlines magazine as a “Welsh supergroup”, ALAW is three leading musicians who bring a wealth of experience to a shared passion – the traditional music of Wales. Nia Lynn’s exceptional voice and harmonium dance with the dazzling fiddle of Oli Wilson-Dickson, interwoven with Dylan Fowler’s sparkling guitar playing. Whether unearthing rare gems or reimagining a well loved song, they treat their music with a deftness and sensitivity that is thoroughly absorbing. Combined with powerful song writing and original tunes, this makes for a musical experience that will stay with the listener long after the performance ends.
In August 2018 they collaborated with the BBC Concert Orchestra for a televised Prom at The Royal Albert Hall, alongside Julie Fowlis, Jarlath Henderson, Sam Lee and The Unthanks. ALAW’s performance was described on BBC Radio 2 as “Show-Stopping” and in the Times as “a sparkling collision of Celtic traditions”. In 2019 they won a Wales Folk Award after be nominated in 3 categories.
Oli and Dylan have a long history of working together, sharing projects including The Devil’s Violin and The Ian McMillan Orchestra. Oli is well known as the fiddler in Jamie Smith’s MABON. Nia has an international reputation and has sung at the Barbican and The Albert Hall. From stirring songs to driving jigs – they communicate their music with relaxed humour and a genuine affection that is truly infectious.
Cariad at alawon hyfryd sydd wrth wraidd y grŵp yma. Gan alw ar gyfoeth o brofiadau cerddorol, aiff Alaw â’u cynulleidfa ar daith gerddorol – tôn ddychwelodd o daith ym Mwlgaria neu gywaith yn India – ond angerdd dros hen alawon Cymru yw curiad calon eu cerddoriaeth.
Oliver Wilson-Dickson plays with The Devil’s Violin Company, Jamie Smith’s Mabon and The Ian McMillan Orchestra. Described by R2 magazine as ‘an expressive and exceptional fiddler’ he also regularly collaborates with storyteller Daniel Morden, with whom he appeared for four consecutive years at the National Theatre and toured throughout the UK. As a session musician, Oliver has contributed many recordings from Cartoons for the BBC and a BAFTA award winning film soundtrack to CDs for Warner International. As a composer he has written music for stage productions and BBC Radio 4 drama. When he can find time he plays in the house band on the Welsh TV show Noson Lawen.
Dylan Fowler has been a professional musician now for close on 30 years and in that time he has been active in many areas of music as a performer/ composer and arranger. His musical palette draws on his experiences in contemporary European jazz, traditional music from the Celtic diaspora – particularly his Welsh heritage and his extensive experience as a collaborator with musicians from countries such as India, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia, Finland, Norway, Canada, Germany and Italy.As well as various group activities he has a developed a reputation as an international soloist as a guitarist and has two cds released on the prestigious German label, Acoustic Music Records which have received excellent reviews. ‘This is music with heart, soul and, above all a bullish determination to ignore recognised boundaries.’ Chris Jones – BBC online reviews.
Nia Lynn is a vocalist, folk and jazz specialist, songwriter, multi- instrumentalist, voice and text coach for theatre and Film, as well as having an international career as an educator. She has been part of the UK music scene for over eighteen years, performing in many different bands and at such venues as Ronnie Scotts, Kings Place, Dean Street Jazz Club, to name but a few. She has performed as a soloist with the Rambert Dance company’s Olivier nominated production of ‘GOAT’ featuring the Music of Nina Simone, as well as performing at such concert halls as the Royal Festival Hall, The Barbican, and The Royal Albert Hall. She is also a Vocalist and Tabwrdd Player for the Seminal South-Walian Folk Band ‘Yr Hwntws’.