Guieldu was formed in the northern lands of Asturias, Spain, in late 2019. Guided by the visionary flutist and composer, Héctor Aneiros, Guieldu emerged as a vibrant force within the folk currents of Celtic music. Mixing elements of progressive folk and new age, this youthful ensemble breathes new life into a genre steeped in tradition. Drawing inspiration from the luminary groups and artists of the bygone eras, Guieldu’s repertoire comprises original compositions that echo the golden era of the 1980s and 1990s.
The enigmatic name of this musical fellowship invites us into a world of intrigue. Derived from a colloquial expression of central-western Asturias, “guieldu” refers to a small fruit found both in the dense forests and the lapping waves of the sea. Just as this curious fruit captures the essence of its surroundings, Guieldu aims to encapsulate the essence of their music, drawing from the rich tapestry of nature and the human experience.
The lineup in 2023 consists of Susana Sors on vocals and acoustic guitar; Héctor Aneiros on whistles, flutes, and ocarinas; Olaya Pérez on violin; Jorge Álvarez on mandolin, bouzouki and electric guitar; Laura Méndez on synthesizers; Pablo Santamarta on bass and didgeridoo; Rubén Cadenas on drums and other percussion. Former members include fiddler Celia Nieto (2020−2022) and drummer and percussionist Gabriel Catalán (2019−2022).
The ensemble draws inspiration from the luminaries of the 1980s and 1990s, such as Capercaillie, Clannad, Secret Garden, Donal Lunny, Loreena McKennitt, Alan Stivell, Nightnoise, and Dan ar Braz. Yet Guieldu’s sonic quest doesn’t end there, as their creative well springs forth from the vibrant musical fabric of Spain. The stylings of Carlos Núñez and Hevia, both revered at home and abroad, infuse the ensemble’s compositions with a touch of Iberian mystique.
Embarking on a voyage across the Atlantic, Guieldu discovers kindred spirits in the flourishing folk scenes of the Celtic diaspora. The captivating sounds of Altán, Berrogüetto, Luar na Lubre, as well as the acclaimed artists of Asturias, including N’Arba, Brenga Astur, Balandrán, and Henbane, serve as wellsprings of inspiration. Through this musical kinship, Guieldu intertwines the threads of tradition, bridging the old world with the new.
Guieldu’s repertoire is rooted in the music of Celtic regions, with a particular emphasis on the traditions of Asturias. Genres may include the Galician muñeira dance; the Asturian xiraldilla; a Scottish jig intertwined with an Irish reel; or the haunting melodies of a Breton andro, all imbued with Guieldu’s unmistakable signature.
The band’s first single was titled “L’Aremu” and included two songs. “L’Aremu”, which received the AMAS Asturian music award for “Best Folk Song 2022” and “Irish Fleadh”, the “B-side”, a set of three Irish reels harmonized in the style of the group and folk rock influences.
In 2023, they released their second single on digital platforms with the songs “Perdayuri” and “La Regueira de Los Danzantes”
More about the band members:
Héctor Aneiros (1996)
From an early age, Héctor Aneiros was bewitched by the mystical allure of Celtic music. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, his journey began with a folk group he founded during his teenage years, Celtic band Guieldu in 2019. Aneiros now orchestrates Guieldu’s harmonies, employing his melodic arsenal of flutes, whistles, ocarinas, and the occasional bagpipe. His virtuosity has graced the stage as a guest artist alongside Luar na Lubre. Aneiros’s boundless passion for music intertwines seamlessly with his deep-rooted love for his motherland, Cedeira, adding an unmistakable element of enchantment to Guieldu’s melodies.
Susanna Sors (1993)
A graduate in sociocultural anthropology, Sors’s fascination with the human experience transcends her musical endeavors. Her studies at the Gijón Conservatory, specializing in the guitar, paved the way for vocal technique tutelage under Mapi Quintana and Ruth Suarez. Currently embarking on her doctoral thesis in the anthropology of music, Sors weaves her academic prowess into her performances. Apart from her role in Guieldu as a vocalist and guitarist, she also lends her captivating talents to Pûlsar to Floyd, a tribute to the legendary progressive rock band Pink Floyd.
Olaya Perez (1987)
Fiddler Olaya Pérez pursued professional studies at the Julián Orbón de Avilés Conservatory and honed her skills further at the Conservatory of A Coruña. She has imbibed wisdom from the likes of Suren Khachatryan, Lew Chistyakov, and Leonardo Blanco Novoa.
Jorge Álvarez (1992)
Armed with a degree in History and a calling as an archaeologist, Jorge Álvarez’s musical journey embarked on a different path. His hands, once familiar with the guitar, found solace in the realm of percussion within the realms of folk, traditional, and early music. A sojourn in Scotland stirred a newfound passion for the bouzouki and mandolin, rekindling the flames of his musical journey. Upon his return to his homeland in the summer of 2020, Álvarez found his rightful place within Guieldu, adding a rhythmic heartbeat to their sound.
Laura Méndez (2001)
Pursuing Electrical Engineering at the University of Oviedo, Laura Méndez’s harmonic talents extend beyond the realm of academia. Having completed her professional studies in piano at the Avilés Conservatory, her youthful energy invigorates every composition. Despite her age, Laura Méndez has traversed various instrumental and choral groups, ultimately finding her musical home with Guieldu in late 2019.
Pablo Santamarta (1992)
A man of limitless versatility, Santamarta’s journey has transcended academia and design, culminating in a harmonious union with the bass guitar. After thirteen years immersed in various bands spanning death metal, country, and alternative rock, his rhythmic prowess knows no bounds. Spanning borders and genres, Santamarta’s arrival in Guieldu in the summer of 2020 solidified the foundation that propels their vibrant soundscape.
Rubén Cadenas (1985)
Civil servant and senior sound technician. Former drummer of the folk group “Deua Dubra., a band signed to the Fonoastur label, performed in several countries, including the Lorient Interceltic Festival. He has been playing the drums since he was 15 years old when he began his musical training, a passion that he combines with electronic music and audio mixing and recording.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.