One of the first Welsh folk songs i learned back when I lived in New Jersey and was taking a train back and forth to Welsh classes in NYC . i think i first heard it sung by Siwsann George of Mabsant and just knew I had to learn it <3 I've played it several different ways since then. Here is a free download of the latest recording of it.

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! Happy St David's Day!! The daffodils here are still sleeping, and the day sitting mostly in a cloud, but i want to be sure to wish you all a Happy St David's Day. Pssst, March 1st is the feast day of St David, the patron saint of Wales - don't forget to wear a leek, a daffodil, or your fine checked shawl and remember do the little things xxx

In coming across an article yesterday while doing family research, combing through old copies of the South Wales Daily News, April 1887, i came across "Death of the Welsh Burns" and knew it had to be John Ceiriog Hughes (1832-1887) the beloved poet of Wales. It's been awhile since i sang this song, but decided to feature it here. My lyrics are mostly an English translation of his heart filled poem "Aros mae’r mynyddau mawr" (Still the mighty mountains stand) and compared to his powerful words in Welsh, does them so little justice. Alun Mabon is a shepherd who appears in 26 of Ceiriog's songs/poems (Morning Hours 1862). In looking for a photo to post with it, i came across this one of my father-in-law standing there, looking out over the hills in Brecon Beacons, and knew it just had to be this one x

https://www.jodeejamesmusic.com/featured-songs

Good people all, this Christmas-time....

This song is a track from my album Welcoming Winter.

https://www.jodeejamesmusic.com/

Such a chilly night tonight, the coldest night since last winter - whenever the temperatures drop i can't help but think of the woodland creatures - bless them all x

The picture is my sweet deer neighbor from life at the cabin -

Bless the creatures big and small. Bless them all, bless them all As they howl beneath the moonlight haloed in an icy shawl As they watch from nestled places and then close their eyes in rest Oh bless the woodland creatures, bless them all.

As we see wisdom in the smallest things, carried on the lightest wings Bless the woodland creatures, bless them all

Part of this song was recorded while walking along the stream in the backyard. This song is a track from my album Lady of the Fountain.

For the sake of old times......

A song for my kind friend John Frost of Yorkshire - i don't think i could ever sing this song without thinking of my gentle souled, nature-loving buddy. Each year near this time he would put a Christmas card in the mail and remind me to make an album of winter songs. This year, though just a little collection, in his memory i finally did.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne

This is part of my Welcoming Winter mp3 album available here - https://jodeejamesmusic.com/album/643848/welcoming-winter-mp3-format-digital-download