AN ABERYSTWYTH band which creates music to go with the works of Dylan Thomas has received the endorsement of the legendary Welsh poet’s granddaughter.

The Dylan Thomas Sound Project was started last January by musician Gwyn Griffiths following a trip to Thomas’ hometown of Laugharne in Carmarthenshire, which inspired him to begin experimenting with his poetry.

“I wanted to create a soundscape that would compliment Dylan’s poems in a very melodic and creative way by integrating his voice into a musical weave,” said Mr Griffiths.

“I started experimenting with his most iconic poem, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.

“First I synchronised his voice to the drum track, added bass and strings, then finally I added the beautiful voice of Lucy Jenkins, who gave the track its ethereal and haunting quality.

“I was really inspired by the end result and decided to adapt more of his poems.”

But before he went any further, Mr Griffiths contacted the Dylan Thomas Foundation to seek permission to use Thomas’ work in this way, and was asked to send in examples of his work.

“To my surprise I received a lovely e-mail from Dylan’s granddaughter, Hannah Ellis,” Mr Griffiths added.

“She told me how much she loved the way I’ve blended music to her grandfather’s work in such an interesting and innovative fashion.

“As a result of her endorsement and approval, I continued adapting more poems and now have 15 completed to constitute a performance.

“I then decided to put a band together so we could perform the concept to audiences in theatres and festivals around the UK.”

The band, whose members are all from the Aberystwyth area except one who is from Angelsey, and is made up of Grant Smaldon on, Cerys Hickman on harp and piano, Pixy Tom on guitar and keyboard, Lucy Jenkins on vocals and Mr Griffiths on drums and recital, The band have also made a video.

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