Can Gitarydd Sobin a Meic Stevens Ail-greu Cerddoriaeth Wedi 30 Mlynedd o Daith?

Mered Morris, a prominent figure in the Welsh rock scene, has made a remarkable return to music after a hiatus of nearly three decades. Following the loss of his wife, he has been inspired to create again, releasing new albums and singles that reflect his rich musical journey. This article delves into his life, career, and the impact of his recent work.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Mered Morris is a Welsh guitarist with a diverse musical background.
• He co-founded Rhiannon Tomos a'r Band, one of the first Welsh rock bands with a female lead.
• After a long break from music, Morris returned with new albums and singles, inspired by personal loss.
• His recent works incorporate themes from his travels and experiences.
• Morris is actively performing again and plans to release more music in the future.

Early Life and Musical Foundations

Born and raised in Bangor, Mered Morris was immersed in music from a young age. His parents were both music teachers, and his father was a professional fiddler who toured schools, inspiring children through concerts. This early exposure to music laid the groundwork for Morris's future in the industry.

Initially taking lessons on the fiddle and classical guitar, Morris's interests shifted to rock music during his teenage years. By the 1980s, he had begun playing with several popular bands of the era, including Rhiannon Tomos a'r Band, which he joined after a call from a friend seeking a guitarist.

The Rise of Rhiannon Tomos a'r Band

Rhiannon Tomos a'r Band emerged as one of the few Welsh rock bands featuring a female lead singer. Morris recalls the unique sound Rhiannon brought to the group, stating, "She wasn't coming from a folk or chapel background – she was straight from the blues and had been listening to Janis Joplin, so she was completely different. That was a major reason we became so popular so quickly."

During his time with the band, Morris honed his craft by listening to the likes of Rory Gallagher, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton. His skills as a guitarist were further developed through experimentation with his father's six-track recording machine. This interest in sound recording eventually led him to a position as a sound engineer with the BBC.

Collaboration with Meic Stevens

After several years of gigging across Wales and recording an album, Morris joined forces with the legendary Meic Stevens. One notable memory from this period was a tour in Brittany during the early 1980s, where an unexpected conflict led to an unconventional setlist of Bob Dylan's B-sides. Morris recalls, "I was standing a little in front of Meic, on one side of the stage, to see what chords he was playing." This experience showcased the spontaneity and challenges of live performance.

While recording the album "Gitâr yn y Twll Dan Stâr," a memorable incident occurred when Stevens went missing for days after a deposit was made. The band searched local pubs in Caernarfon and Bangor before finally finding him in Anglesey. Morris fondly remembers the chaos and creativity that surrounded these sessions, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the creative process.

The Impact of Sobin a'r Smaeliaid

In 1988, Morris joined another influential band, Sobin a'r Smaeliaid, at the request of Bryn Fôn, who was recording the band's debut album. Morris describes this period as "a lot of fun," noting that the band became increasingly popular, particularly after an incident involving Fôn's arrest during the Meibion Glyndŵr campaign, which catapulted their fame.

Despite the success, the demands of family life and work led Morris to step back from Sobin a'r Smaeliaid, marking the end of an era for him. For nearly three decades, he took a break from music, focusing on other aspects of his life.

A Return to Music

Tragedy struck when Morris lost his wife, Denise, after a prolonged illness. Her encouragement for him to pursue music during her illness became a pivotal moment in his life. "She said, 'Listen, you need to think about what you will do when I am not here.' I didn't want to think about it, but she insisted," Morris shared. This conversation catalysed his return to music after years of silence.

About six months after Denise's passing, he found himself reconnecting with friends and unexpectedly composing new songs. These songs flowed naturally, leading to the release of "Syrthio'n Ôl" in 2020, followed by an album each year thereafter. His latest single, "Gaiman i Esquel," was inspired by a trip to Patagonia with friends and reflects his love for the people, culture, and landscapes he encountered.

Current Endeavours and Future Plans

Today, Mered Morris is back in the music scene, performing live and actively working on new material for release in 2026. He describes the joy of creating music again, saying, "It's nice to be back creating. Since reconnecting, it's hard to let go. It's like a pleasant infection." His journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of music.

Conclusion

Mered Morris's story is one of perseverance, creativity, and the profound influence of personal experiences on artistic expression. As he continues to release new music and perform, his legacy in the Welsh rock scene remains significant. What new stories and songs will he share in the coming years? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: his passion for music is as vibrant as ever.

FAQs

What inspired Mered Morris to return to music after nearly 30 years?

Mered Morris was inspired to return to music following the passing of his wife, Denise, who encouraged him to pursue his musical talents during her illness, leading him to reconnect with his creativity.

What bands has Mered Morris been a part of?

Mered Morris has been a member of several bands, including Rhiannon Tomos a'r Band and Sobin a'r Smaeliaid, both of which have played significant roles in the Welsh rock music scene.

What themes are present in Morris's recent music?

His recent music often reflects themes of personal loss, travel, and cultural appreciation, drawing inspiration from his life experiences and the landscapes he has encountered, particularly during his trip to Patagonia.

How has Morris's musical style evolved over the years?

Mered Morris's musical style has evolved from rock influences in his youth to a more reflective and diverse sound in his recent work, incorporating elements from various genres and personal experiences.

What can we expect from Mered Morris in the future?

Mered Morris plans to continue creating and releasing new music, with more albums set for release in the coming years, showcasing his ongoing passion for music and performance.