ABOUT ME

Meirion Jordan was born in Bro Cwmtawe, a region of Wales with a strong legacy of poetry in both English and Welsh, as well as rich history and folklore. He went to school in Swansea, where he first met the poetry of Dylan Thomas, and his chapel-going mother introduced him to the Welsh hymns. He began playing piano and violin at an early age, before leaving Wales to study.

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He published his first collection of poetry at the age of 24, which was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection. Another book and a pamphlet followed, and he worked as a poet for a number of years. Whilst working towards his doctorate in Norfolk, he became interested in traditional music and rediscovered his enjoyment of fiddle music, influenced by the deep roots of Norfolk's folk music scene. He joined the popular Norfolk ceilidh band Stookey Blue not long after.

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Upon moving to Scotland some years ago he began to add Scottish traditional tunes and songs to his repertoire, and, with the encouragement of local players and teachers, fell in love with old Irish and Gaelic songs and poetry. He still writes and edits poetry and criticism, but he is also an active member of the Staffin Island ceilidh band and lead fiddler for Ceol Gallda.