Sometimes the turn of the year takes you by surprise – hard to believe that the duo of Wynford Jones and Geoff Cripps only started in January 2024! Of course, as you can read elsewhere on this website, our history of playing music together started way back in 1979 when we formed The Chartists. But, it was with some trepidation that we performed our showcase slot at Newport Folk Club just over a year ago. The reception then was heart-warming and it proved to us that we could do it as a duo.
There followed some memorable gigs including our Lauford Cripps album launch at the Norwegian Church , One Day in Spring Festival at Newport FC, Lyceum FC Newport and the Tredegar House Folk Festival. Meanwhile in the late spring early summer we were busy planning the reissue of our second Chartists album “Cause for Complaint” originally released in 1987. Now, in its remastered and expanded version it is available on CD/DL for the very first time. All this to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Miner’s Strike which fuelled many of the songs on the album (listen/purchase here). We had a memorable launch night for this album at a jam-packed Newport FC at the end of August.
Last autumn brought us memorable gigs in Blaengarw Workmen’s Hall, Blackwood Miner’s Institute and The Foundry Brecon. Thanks to all who came and supported us! We were also pleased with all the airplay which Cause for Complaint was getting around the UK – including the Mark Radcliffe Radio 2 Folk Show in December.
Now, after a period of rest and rehearsal, we are ready to hit the road again commencing on Sunday 2nd February at the Pontardawe Valley Folk Club with our good friends The Blessed Crow. In March we look forward to a very special day of Miner’s Strike commemoration at Big Pit Blaenafon on St.David’s Day, followed by what promises to be a very special event at The Welfare Ystradgynlais on Saturday 15th March where we share the stage with poet and playwright Patrick Jones. Details on our gig list page. The very next day we are delighted to return to that excellent Forest Folk Club in Coleford.
Looking slightly further ahead we are thrilled to be performing at Theatr Brycheiniog on Maundy Thursday and returning to Tredegar House Folk Festival in May. It will be great to see lots of you at both locations!
We recently visited the recording studio to prepare the audio for the planned production of a couple of music videos – we look forward to sharing those with you on this site in due course – keep looking out for them!
Diolch yn fawr iawn at eich chefnogaeth / Thanks for your support
Geoff & Wynford