Huw & Tony Williams

Huw & Tony Williams were, as one of their later CDs pointed out, an unrelated folk duo from Brynmawr. They first began playing together whilst they were at school. They began their careers in folk clubs in the UK, where many of their songs became standards of the British folk scene. The 'Beep Beep Song' gives some idea of their life on the road together (on 'Requests 91'). Prolific in writing their own songs, Huw was the main songwriter, providing a range of stringed accompaniment - guitar, banjo, melodion and lead vocals. He was also known to sport a variety of headgear for the numerous gigs - though not onstage. Tony's main instrument was the double bass, although he also provided backing vocals, drums and guitar on some of their studio recordings. They became widely known when their songs were covered by many other artists in Europe and the USA and their close association with the likes of Ralph McTell and Fairport Convention, both of whom championed their music. They developed a very large fan base and toured theatres and festivals throughout the 1990s before performing one final tour in 2001. To summarise: Great songs, good humour, terrific rapport with their audience, great tea makers and they even tap dance!