I am writing an article for Taplas, the folk magazine for Wales, on the tabwrdd, the ancient North Wales drum which goes back approximately 700 years. Does anyone have information, items of interest, stories etc, about this mysterious and wonderful instrument?

Ceri Rhys Matthews and Cass Meurig, both of the visionary Welsh group fernhill, researched the tabwrdd, and Newport instrument makers Marcus Music constructed it for them. Marcus Music also made one for me, as well.

I play the tabwrdd for two dance teams, Dawnswyr Glanllwyd (Cwmbran) and Gwerinwyr Gwent (Newport). Both teams are impressed with the instrument, saying the crisp drumming enhances the music (this is reminiscent of the Breton visionary Roland Becker, who revolutionised Breton dance with added drum.) Last Saturday in Cardiff, for Yr Hen Nos Galan (the old Welsh new year), I played in a 'scratch' band with other notable musicians, including Mike Greenwood, Iolo Jones, Gareth Westacott, Sîan Gruffudd and Olly Price, all of whom complemented me on the sound of the tabwrdd.

The tabwrdd is smaller than its sophisticated Irish cousin, the bodrhan, but larger than the English tabor. I would much appreciate any information you can give – by Thursday, please! Taplas deadlines cannot wait!

Mick Tems