Pwdin Reis - Neis Fel Pwdin Reis (2021)

It's hard to believe that it's been three years since Pwdin Reis (the Rice Pudding band) exploded on the scene as a blast of a bygone era, and now the first long-awaited album is ready.

The eleven songs on the album 'Neis fel Pwdin Reis' are a combination of pure Rockabilly, Jump Jive and Jazz with experienced musicians turning their hands to the different musical genres of the fifties. Whatever the style of music, the band has stayed true to the principle of avoiding modern technology and recording the album using the original instruments of the time. The emphasis on 'no technology' results in a raw and energetic sound full of nostalgia but also unlike any music that has gone before.

On the album you will hear Betsan Evans’ lead vocals belted out with power and passion. Betsan has already established herself as a vocalist who can give each tune her own unique stamp and her singing on this album will surely boost the Pontarddulais singer's reputation to another level. Betsan always adapts her style of singing to suit the song. She can project her voice in any direction effortlessly and is equally as comfortable with 'sensitive and charming' as with 'full on diva'. A vocalist who prides herself on her rare talent.

Neil Rosser wrings rockabilly riffs out of an old orange Gretsch guitar signed by his hero Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats. He is convinced that he only needs a Gretsch guitar and a Vox amp because that’s all Eddie Cochran needed. Ask Neil if he uses pedals and the answer you get is "Only when cycling" (a quote from another of his heroes, Wilko Johnson.)

Norman Roberts, maestro of the double bass drives the songs to their limits with his infectious playing. It's hard to believe that the former head of Carmarthenshire Music Service has only been playing rockabilly style bass for a couple of years. A renowned violinist in the classical world as well as an orchestral conductor, this Ferryside gentleman shows another side of his musical character as the rockabilly slap bass guy.

Drummer Rob Gillespie is the band's anchor. He keeps time like a Swiss watch and is perfectly comfortable playing in any style. Rob is an experienced drummer who has learnt his trade playing the Working Men’s Clubs of South Wales and the North of England since the eighties. He loves to play live and combines with Norman to form a partnership that any band from the fifties would be proud of. Rob is just as at home on a pub stage as he is on a huge festival stage. This likeable chappie from Ferryside is happy at his drumkit as our renowned drummer.

So if you're looking for something different and fancy a bit of rockabilly why not try a little Pwdin Reis? - because everyone knows it’s nice as rice!