From Penwith in the far west of Cornwall, Bagas Degol is a prominent force on the Cornish music scene. Their distinctive and stirring sound, delivered with a powerful raw edge, is not easy to categorise but has been described as `the musical embodiment of a Breugel painting` and `the darkside of folk`. The band themselves call it simply`feast-day music` meaning music for celebration, ritual and dance - recognisable in all cultures across the world.

David Twomlow, Rick Williams and Dave Trahair are experienced musicians across a range of musical styles. In 2001 they came together to provide the traditional processional music to accompany the famous Tom Bawcocks Lantern Procession in Mousehole, Cornwall. From this event Bagas Degol emerged, the name in Cornish meaning literally `Feast Day Band` in recognition of their first performance. Bagas Degol has since grown and evolved, developing their unique and atmospheric sound which ranges from hypnotic ceremonial pieces to rousing dance sets. They continue to source much of their repertoire from Cornwall, but also draw on folk and dance traditions from across Europe, combining bagpipes, clarinet, tabor drum and percussion to create an elemental and primitive feel whilst using tightly constructed harmonies and arrangements which build with purpose.

Bagas Degol`s live sound is one that cannot be ignored; it defies ambivalence and charges the audience`s emotions with the power of shared celebration.

 `A trio spearheading a vibrant musical movement to the fuse the traditions of
Cornish culture with modern rhythms` 

Pinhole Images Stacey Ebel  Band Images David Twomlow

Gallery various sources
©Copyright Bagas Degol 2005