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Keyboard Pals 
Ian Griffin (left) and
Aled Rees became pals when they worked together in a Swansea organ and keyboard
showroom. Prior to that, and unknowing
to each other, they both attended Brian Sharp concerts in Swansea when he did dealer showcases
for Gulbransen and Kawi electronic organs in the 1970’s.
Now, working apart, Ian and Aled rarely see
each other, except for their shows together at Welsh organ societies.Both are professional musicians and have regular solo engagements, Aled currently in the Llanelli area and Ian all over the UK. They have both found that modern keyboards, with pedal boards, give them the means of producing the sounds of big bands and orchestras. Their harmonies are the result of a sixth sense rarely found in musicians of their age both are in their late thirties. Whilst Ian has the gift of perfect pitch, allowing him to play naturally in any key for any artist, Aled is an accomplished pianist with the gift of a fine star quality voice and sings in a style that everyone enjoys. The two or three vocal numbers included their shows always leave the audiences wanting more. They have become firm favourites with Welsh organ society audiences following their first success at the Llanelli Electronic Organ & Keyboard Society, where the officials had the foresight to book them for their first show in 2002. Their standing ovations have led to return visits and the word spreading across the Principality. It is interesting to note that both Ian and Aled have made individual appearances on S4C Television – they have yet to appear on this channel as a duo. It is quite likely that the producers there have yet to hear about the keyboard talent on their doorstep. A television appearance is certainly be something to look forward to, especially as Aled is a bi-lingual and a natural Welsh speaker that Welsh audiences love to listen to. The Keyboard Pals are all the more remarkable because they never have the time to get together to practise or rehearse. It is the spontaneity of their performances, including requests from the audience, that make them what must be the most entertaining keyboard duo in Wales. If you have not yet seen this pair then you have something to look forward to – they are so different to any other duo. This is not surprising when you think about it as both come from the land of song where music is more than a part of life. About Ian Biography Engagements Keyboards Recordings Keyklix Ian & Aled Casual Affair Melody Box Links News Return to top of page Return to Home/Contents page |