We present an Evening of Musical Excellence at the Plas Hotel on 19^th March 2026 at 8pm

The Dan Messore Standards Trio, featuring Dan Messore (Guitar), Liz Exell (Drums) and Paula Gardiner (Bass)

Join us for an unforgettable night at Narberth Jazz, on Thursday 19^th March, where three outstanding Welsh artists will come together to deliver an exceptional musical experience.

On the bill are acclaimed guitarist Dan Messore, renowned for his eclectic style and evocative harmonies, along with the dynamic jazz drummer Liz Exell, celebrated for her innovative work with Nerija and her contributions to the UK jazz scene. Completing the line-up is Paula Gardiner, Wales’s esteemed jazz bassist and composer whose illustrious career has spanned theatre, radio and film.

Expect a vibrant fusion of genres, from Messore’s folk-infused jazz to Exell’s rhythmically adventurous compositions, all anchored by Gardiner’s soulful, expressive bass lines. Whether you’re a dedicated jazz aficionado or simply seeking an inspiring night out, this event promises something truly special. Tickets are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this live jazz event with  straight-ahead guitar jazz trio rooted in melody, swing, and deep interaction, with a subtle but unmistakable bebop fire, at its finest, right here in Narberth.

Last Month we saw Dave Jones ‘trunk of funk’ performe for us.

The miserable, wet and dank weather we have been experiencing of late was blown away on Thursday 19^th February by the return to the Plas Hotel of Dave Jone’s ‘Trunk of Funk’, a dynamic 5-piece jazz-funk fusion band playing new arrangements of tunes by Corea, Hubbard, Sanborn, Pastorius, Ellington, and others. Featuring Paul Carr (gtr), Ben Waghorn (sax), Dave Jones (keys), Jon Goode (bass), and Elliot Bennett (drums).

Their setlist showcased a vibrant mix of jazz and fusion classics, each piece bringing its own unique energy and style. From the infectious groove of “Pick up the Pieces” by Average White Band to the soulful depth of the concluding “In a Sentimental Mood,” the selection demonstrates both versatility and taste. Standout performances such as “The Chicken” by Jaco Pastorius, “Elektric City” by Chick Corea and Freddie Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower” /  “Red Clay” not only highlight technical prowess but also kept the audience thoroughly engaged throughout the performance.

Overall, the combination of timeless standards like “Autumn Leaves” with more contemporary numbers ensures there is something for everyone, making for an engaging and memorable musical experience. The thoughtful arrangement of tracks allows for dynamic shifts in mood and tempo, keeping the concert fresh and exciting from start to finish – Los Endos!!

The event was supported by the Arts Council of Wales’s “Night Out” scheme.

NEWS February 2026

Greetings Jazz lovers,

Welcome to the continuing NJ spring programme of delights.

Following on our January extravaganza with Brass Band Bychan who entertained us royally in January. see our press notices.

We start with this months live event at the Plas Hotel on 19^th February with the very welcome return to the Dave Jones Trunk of Funk. Despite borrowing the band name from Craig Charles’ , super Welsh piano star Dave Jones has gathered a fine bunch of musicians to entertain us with tunes to get hips swinging and toes tapping. They creatively explore some of the great fusion tunes and add some of Dave’s own, Expect to hear some Weather Report and Herbie Hancock and Jaco Pistorias with Paul Carr guitar, Ben Waghorn sax, Jon Goode Bass and Elliot Bennet drums.

If you have yet to renew your membership, please do so at this gig. It is important for us to show we have support from our community to keep the shows coming.

In March we will feature the guitar of Dan Messore with support from Paula Gardiner on acoustic bass and Liz Exell on drums. 3 wonderful Welsh musicians at the top of their game.

So please join us for an unforgettable live night at Narberth Jazz, on Thursday 19^th March, where three outstanding Welsh artists will come together to deliver an exceptional musical experience.

On the bill are acclaimed guitarist Dan Messore, renowned for his eclectic style and evocative harmonies, along with the dynamic jazz drummer Liz Exell, celebrated for her innovative work with Nerija and her contributions to the UK jazz scene. Completing the line-up is Paula Gardiner, Wales’s esteemed jazz bassist and composer whose illustrious career has spanned theatre, radio and film.

Expect a vibrant fusion of genres, from Messore’s folk-infused jazz to Exell’s rhythmically adventurous compositions, all anchored by Gardiner’s soulful, expressive bass lines. Whether you’re a dedicated jazz aficionado or simply seeking an inspiring night out, this event promises something truly special. Tickets are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this live jazz event with a straight-ahead guitar jazz trio rooted in melody, swing, and deep interaction, with a subtle but unmistakable bebop fire, at its finest, right here in Narberth

The Transatlantic Hot Club will feature on April 16^th, Founded by Adrien Chevalier (violin – New York) and Ben Creighton Griffiths (harp – Cardiff) in 2013 on the sunny French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, the Transatlantic Hot Club specialises in the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli but on the harp and violin – a combination in this style of music not easily found anywhere else in the world. Ashley John Long joins them on Bass Touring across Europe, USA, and the French Caribbean – the Transatlantic Hot Club presents their core repertoire alongside swing jazz, latin jazz, French chanson, and traditional European folk music. This will be an unmissable night of music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3Sdd9FbYnU

Other events that may interest you :-

Span Arts has changed the singing group night to Thursday, 5th & 19th February. Also a day of Welsh language activities at the Scout hut on Wednesday 18^th. Feb. www.span-arts.org.uk

Aberjazz have  The Jack Pearce Quartet at Peppers on 12^th March www.aberjazz.com

Remember they were to have played for us in November last year, but snow cancelled the event. HOWEVER they will be back to play for us in October.

Swansea jazz club have plenty going on with dinner and jazz packages, visit https://www.swanseajazzland.co.uk/

That’s all for now

The Narberth jazz team

PS – Don’t forget your Membership please

Membership Renewal 2026Narberth Jazz

December News letter.

So it’s now approaching the Christmas season, as well we can appreciate with the snow we had late last month.

This sadly forced us to cancel, at the last moment, our Jack Pearce Quintet event. However you will be pleased  to know that they will be back to finally play for us later next year.

Speaking of which you may be interested in the line up that we have for you for the first half of 2026.

So what’s on in South Wales?

Tenby Jazz’s first brunch of 2026 will be Llandjango on 15 Feb

Black Mountain Jazz held a terrific event at the end of November with the RWCMD Big Band giving  ‘A Quincy Jones Tribute’ concert. We only wish that we could have had them in the Queens Hall at Christmas!! They also have instigated a number of youth jazz workshops called BM Jazz Katz, with three professional tutors.

Well done to them again.

Their January event on the 25^th its Elijah Jeffrey and Eddie Gripper {whose trio will be with us on the 18^th June

Swansea Jazz continue to hold their weekly events see (2) ALL EVENTS TICKETS 2026 – Swansea Jazzland

Also don’t forget BBC Wales’s offerings see BBC Wales – Music – Jazz

Interesting results from the Swanage Jazz Festival audience survey for you to consider.

10%  of respondents like and want New Orleans Jazz

45% like and want ‘Modern Mainstream Jazz’ c 1940 -1960

35% like and  want ‘Contemporary Jazz’ -1960s onwards

Not much different than our recent survey except that Gypsy Jazz was more prominent with us.

And their audience age.

88% of people answering the survey were 60 or older and half of those were 70 or older. They like us need more 40 – 50 year olds in our audience!!

Now for the message from our sponsor!!

It’s time to renew or join your Narberth Jazz Membership for 2026!

We’d love you to be part of our vibrant jazz community. To renew your membership or become a new member, simply visit our Membership Renewal 2026 Narberth Jazz page and follow the easy instructions. Membership Renewal 2026Narberth Jazz

It just takes a few minutes to secure your spot for another fantastic year of music and friendship!

As a member, you’ll enjoy:

• Exclusive ticket discounts for most events, often covering the cost of annual membership
• Early access to purchase event tickets, so you never miss your favourites
• Regular updates about club news, upcoming gigs, and opportunities to get involved

Membership helps us continue to bring exciting programmes and keep our club thriving. You’re always welcome at our events whether you’re a member or not, but we’d love you to enjoy all the extra perks!

We also warmly invite you to join our committee meetings. Your ideas and opinions matter, and every voice adds something unique to our club. Our meetings are relaxed, friendly, and a great way to meet fellow jazz lovers—why not come along and help shape the future of Narberth Jazz?

If you have any questions or want to get involved, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

So stay warm and enjoy the Christmas festivities and see you at the Plas in January

From the Narberth Jazz Team.

www.narberthjazz.wales

Please dont forget our Tenby jazz colegues Blues Festival this weekend.

Not long to go until the beautiful seaside town of Tenby rocks again to a weekend of Blues music – electric and acoustic, old and new, borrowed and blue. Blues is a marriage, a menage of plenty, without it there’d be no modern popular music, so expect a lot of what they call the most in the form of Rock ‘n’ Roll, R’n’B, Soul, Country, Hard Rock, Jazz, Folk, whatever, it’ll be great fun!

Yes, the award winning Tenby Blues Festival will take place over the weekend of 14^th-16^th November when the whole town comes to life to celebrate the spirited magic of music in the community. Over 50 gigs in over 20 venues over 3 wonderful days! And most of them are free.

The ticketed shows will be in the De Valence, the Giltar Hotel, and St Mary’s Church House and will feature a host of top international and UK stars.

The De Valence hosts the main stage on all three nights with three acts performing each evening, including the first UK appearance of up and coming Afro-American Bluesman Sean ‘Mack’ McDonald (who is said to carry on where BB King left off), celebrated Finnish hard rocking guitar wizard Erja Lyytinen, plus Aisha Khan and the Rajahs ending the weekend with a fab feel good  show.

The Giltar hosts the legendary late night sessions on Friday and Saturday, with the “Queen of Welsh Blues” Bella Collins, from midnight until…who knows?

Church House hosts a Saturday lunchtime show with two Welsh heroes of acoustic roots – John Lewis and Christopher Rees, or if you prefer, head over to the De Valence where the sensational Senna Weeks Trio will be rocking the balcony (within safety limits of course!).

And the Blues Trail – who could resist two afternoons of free music in over 20 venues, from Bar 10 to the Dogs’ Home, from the Bowling Club to the Sailing Club, and all the rest.

Tickets and full details at  https://tenbyblues.co.uk/

Further info: Malcolm Cawley 07900 091664 or info@tenbyblues.co.uk.

October 2025 News Letter

So once again autumn is drawing on and the nights are getting shorter. However we will attempt to chase the blues away for you with ourlast event for 2025.

So what next and who do we have?

In November, we have the Jack Pearce Quintet who are a young talented band who are enormously experienced and making quite a mark on the Jazz scene.

Looking forward to the New Year; in January we have the Brass Band  Bychan who present  accessible , contemporary jazz with a bit of New Orleans flavour.

February we have the return of the popular  favourites Trunk of Funk.

For March we present Guitarist Dan Messore with Aidan Thorne,

In April the Transatlantic Hot Club make their appearance.

The May event has yet to be established but for June we managed to actually get the return of the amazing pianist Eddie Gripper and his Trio.

Please look at our website for updates etc. www.narberthjazz.wales

Khamira’s recent performance was a true musical highlight, brilliantly blending Welsh folk traditions with jazz influences and Indian world music sensibilities. The setlist showcased a rich tapestry of sounds, from the evocative “Mirrors of Time” by Aditya Balani and Arjun Nagar an original by Aidan Thorne, to inventive arrangements of Welsh folk tunes. Amongst them including  Pan O’wn yn Gwanwyn and Marwnad yr Ehedydd amd together with a captivating rendition of Miles Davis “Great Expectations”. Each piece was delivered with remarkable finesse and heartfelt expression, reflecting both the band’s technical skill and their deep musical empathy.

The ensemble, featuring Tomos Williams on trumpet, Jonathan Mayer on sitar, Aditya Balani on guitar, Aidan Thorne on bass, and Mark O’Connor on drums, demonstrated an effortless synergy throughout the evening. Jonathan Mayer’s sitar lines weaved elegantly with Mark O’Connor’s robust drumming, while Aditya Balani’s guitar soared effortlessly above Aidan Thorne’s driving bass. Tomos Williams’ trumpet provided a bright, lyrical counterpoint, tying the different musical threads together with both sensitivity and flair. Tomos also compiled the Welsh folk tune arrangements.

The audience responded with enthusiastic acclaim, making it clear that Khamira’s exhilarating performance was not just a treat for jazz aficionados but a memorable night out for everyone present. The atmosphere was electric, and the band’s dynamic interplay kept listeners captivated from start to finish.

The success of the evening was also in part due to the invaluable support from Night Out, whose assistance in setting up and promoting the event was much appreciated. The warm hospitality extended to the band by a member of Narberth Jazz added a personal touch, ensuring the musicians felt truly welcomed.

Overall, this was an extraordinary concert that left a lasting impression. Khamira’s blend of tradition and innovation, combined with their engaging stage presence, made the performance a resounding success. We look forward to welcoming them again to Narberth in the future.

Below is an account of the Coltrane Dedication event earlier this month for you.

The Coltrane Dedication quintet’s performance at Narberth Jazz on 18th September at the Plas Hotel truly captured the spirit and innovation of John Coltrane’s work. The ensemble—Lyndon Owen (sax), Dave Jones (piano), Will Cass (guitar), Bill Fletcher (bass), and Ian Poole (drums)—delivered a set that was both technically assured and emotionally resonant, traversing Coltrane’s wide-ranging repertoire with flair and sensitivity.

Highlights included the haunting introspection of “Lonnie’s Lament” and the robust drive of “Mr P.C.”, both played with a keen understanding of their emotional nuance. The group’s rendition of “Psalm” and “Spiritual” stood out for their depth and meditative quality, inviting listeners into Coltrane’s profound spiritual explorations. “Olé” infused the evening with vibrant, world-music inspired rhythms, while “Resolution” from “A Love Supreme” was especially compelling, channelling both passion and tranquillity.

Throughout the event, the musicians showed remarkable versatility, transitioning seamlessly between reflective ballads and energetic, rhythmically complex pieces like “Dahomey Dance”. Their improvisational interplay and mutual respect ensured that each tune was given space to breathe and evolve, offering the audience a rich, immersive experience. In all, the Coltrane Dedication’s thoughtful interpretations and spirited playing, paid fitting tribute to Coltrane’s enduring legacy, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

So what’s new in the world of Jazz?

Tenby Jazz continue with their Sunday Brunches at the Clarence Hotel with The Groucho Club next month

Our colleagues at Black Mountain Jazz (Abergavenny) continue to pull in the most incredible people to play for them . It’s a long way to go but absolutely brilliant performances Black Mountain Jazz I Abergavenny

Don’t forget the air waves too.

With the BBC

• Radio 2 – Jamie Cullum Show
• Radio 3 – Round Midnight and Jazz record requests
• Radio 6 -Gilles Peterson.

Jazz FM DAB – wall to wall programming see

Jazz FM, listen live

And locally Radio Cardiff VCS Radio Cardiff, listen live

Also check out www.witney.radio

So the outlook is good.

From the Narberth Jazz Team.

www.narberthjazz.wales

Welcome to our Narberth Jazz’s early September Newsletter.

Ticket Price Adjustments for 2025

For the first time since April 2023, we have to implement an increase in our ticket prices.

A significant factor in this decision is the venue’s introduction of a fee beginning in early 2025, charging us £100 for the use of the room. Additionally, the general rise in costs and services due to ongoing inflation has contributed to the need for this adjustment.

Despite these changes, we are pleased to confirm that we are not introducing any additional booking or transaction fees.

We hope that you understand the need for these increases and hope that it will not deter you from both attending and your enjoyment of our events.

Although not the official end of summer, the nights are beginning to draw in and it is definitely getting a lot chillier.

Community News & Upcoming Events

The hot summer evenings are slowly disappearing, however what a summer we’ve had  with the wonderful Brecon Jazz Festival in early August. Then towards the end of the month we had the AberJazz ‘Jazz n Blues’ Festival at Fishguard. Not forgetting our own Jazz Garden Party in July.

Between them they showcased the very best of British jazz and included many of the bands that we have been fortunate enough to present over the years at the Plas Narberth.

Tenby Jazz continue with their Sunday Brunch and jazz performances at The Clarence House Hotel. with

28th September:  The Dick Hamer Quartet feat. Jenny Jones

19th October: The Groucho Club

9th November: Ross Hicks Trio

14th December: Dom Norcross Quartet with Elaina Hoss

So what have we in store for you next?

18^th September see’s The Coltrane Dedication quintet playing for us.

This is not a tribute band, but a group of musicians who are passionate about the style and music  that John Coltrane created.

On the 16^th October we have a return visit from Khamira. This Indo-Welsh band first visited us back in 2017, Khamira’s music is real world-fusion – imagine the cinematic scope of the Pat Metheny Group and the grunge funk of Miles Davis’s 70s band inter-twinned with passages of melancholic Welsh folk music and Indian classical virtuosity.

Narberth Jazz continues to bring the vibrant pulse of world-class music to our community.

• Volunteers Needed: We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with future events. If you have a passion for jazz and community, get in touch!
• Please share Your Feedback: Loved the show? Suggestions for artists you’d like to see next?  We welcome all feedback to keep making Narberth Jazz the beating heart of live music in our town.

This August, we were transported to the soul-stirring streets of New Orleans, thanks to the extraordinary talents of Dale Storr.

Dale Storr: The Piano Voice of New Orleans in Narberth

On a warm Thursday evening 21^st August, we had an Evocative Night of Jazz and Storytelling

The Narberth Jazz audience welcomed the return of Dave Storr, a musician whose very essence seems intertwined with the spirit of the ‘Big Easy’. To experience Dale Storr live is to be swept into the swirling heart of New Orleans itself—a city whose legacy is written not only in its storied streets and vibrant festivals, but in every note that dances from the black and white keys of the piano. This was not simply a performance, but an immersion—a spirited journey through the rich sonic landscape of New Orleans, lovingly guided by an artist at the height of his powers.

Dale with his encyclopaedic knowledge and effortless technical skill, channels the deep and tangled roots of New Orleans piano tradition. The city’s music is a heady brew: rhythm-and-blues, jazz, ragtime, gospel, rock ‘n’ roll, and the irrepressible boogie-woogie, all mixed into a genre-defying elixir.

On this night, Storr’s fingers danced nimbly across the keys, spinning tales in a language both familiar and fresh, inviting the audience into the lineage of pianists who shaped the city’s musical identity. Dale conjured up the spirits of two of its musical legends and their music; Mac Rebennack (Dr John) and James  Booker (The Bayou Maharajah). Their music and influences were amply demonstrated within the presentations given to us during the evening.

The music, at once raucous then refined, evokes the bright Mardi Gras revelry, the solemn hush of a gospel service, and the smoky intimacy of a late-night jazz bar.

Dale’s selection that evening included signature pieces such as the opening standard ‘St James Infirmary’ then ‘Dorothy’ and ‘Mississippi Mud’ by Dr John, and then a hauntingly beautiful take on ‘A Taste of Honey’ and ‘Goodnight Irene’  from James Booker’s canon. There were amongst many of the classic charts.

Dale Storr is more than a pianist. He is a custodian of memory, a scholar of sound, and a generous spirit whose artistry bridges centuries and continents. In his hands, the piano becomes a portal, transporting listeners to the heart of New Orleans, where music is not just entertainment but a way of life.

See you at the next session,

The Narberth Jazz Team

A Jubilant Celebration of Jazz, Summer, and Community

held at Lampeter House on the 20th July.

Introduction

There are summer days that slip quietly by, and there are others that reverberate with the sounds of laughter, music, and a spirit of togetherness. The 5th annual Narberth Jazz Garden Party, held at the picturesque Lampeter House on Sunday, 20th July 2025, was most assuredly one of the latter—a day when the  eventual appearance of the sun and the saxophone vied for centre stage, and the lush grounds came alive with the joyous energy of jazz aficionados and newcomers alike.

Setting the Scene

The grandeur of Lampeter House, nestled in the heart of the Welsh countryside, offered the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of music and merriment. Gates opened at 2pm, welcoming guests into gardens abloom and anticipation high. A gentle breeze carried the promise of Pimm’s, and the scent of freshly cut grass mingled with the distant strains of a trumpet warming up, as attendees of all ages gathered to celebrate the enduring magic of live jazz.

The weather which had threatened to spoil our fun eventually came good just in time for the festivities.

The Performances

• The festivities kicked off with the Vic Partridge Hot Five, whose Jazz from Dixie set the tone with a spellbinding performance steeped in the golden era of jazz. Vic Partridge’s lively, toe-tapping rhythms transported listeners straight to New Orleans, where the air is thick with brass and the streets come alive after dark.
• Next, the stage belonged to the dynamic duo of James Chadwick and Liz Excell. Their interpretations of beloved standards were anything but conventional—infused with playful improvisation, unexpected harmonies, and a modern twist that delighted even the most traditional jazz devotees. Their chemistry was palpable, drawing smiles from the crowd as familiar tunes found new life.
• Dom Norcross & The Numbers Racket with Elaina Hoss –: As the afternoon waned and golden hour crept in, Dom & The Numbers Racket, joined by the effervescent Elaina Hoss, electrified the audience with their infectious high energy jump jive rendations. The set was a whirlwind of swing, swagger, and spectacle, as couples danced on the grass and applause rang out long after the final notes faded.

The Experience

The musical journey spanned from 3pm to 8pm, but the joy lingered well into the evening, for those who didn’t want the celebration to end. A well-stocked bar kept spirits high, and the addition of Pimm’s and light refreshments ensured no guest went wanting. The sense of community was tangible—strangers became friends over shared melodies, and every corner of the garden hummed with conversation and laughter.

The event was welcoming and inclusive, inviting both seasoned jazz fans and curious newcomers to experience the warmth of Narberth’s musical community.

Thanks to the generosity of the following ‘donors’ our raffle was both successful and interesting to all.

Jazz Books donated by Harriet Addyman

Great Wedlock Farm and Deer Park – Gumfreston;

Folly Farm;

Manor Wildlife Park;

Heatherton World of Activities;

Top Joe’s

And of course a huge thanks you to Julian and Mami Williams for the use of their home, Lampeter House, once again.

Conclusion

This year’s garden party was not just a showcase of remarkable talent but a heartfelt celebration of what makes jazz—and the community that cherishes it—so enduringly special. As twilight settled over Lampeter House and the last guests lingered under the stars, it was clear that the spirit of Narberth Jazz remains as vibrant and inviting as ever in spite of the disappointing weather. Here’s to many more years of rhythm, revelry, and hopefully radiant summer afternoons.

JULY 2025   Newsletter

Greetings jazz lovers,

I was not able to be with you for last months live event with The Tomos Williams Trio, but reports on the night told me it was filled with the spirit of contemporary Welsh music of a high standard. Tomos (not the rugby player)is a gifted trumpeter and jazz activist who leads several fine bands (Burum, Khamira) He presents a jazz radio show on BBC Radio Cymru, and he is Chair of ‘Jazz Explorers Cymru’ – a grass roots organisation set up to promote jazz within and outside of Wales.

Tomos also leads his own jazz quartet ‘7Steps’ which focuses on the music of Miles Davis, which we have featured here at NJ.

The June performance was a feast of guitar and fiddle tunes served up by the Cardigan based crew called Llandjango. Robbie, the master fiddler of Stefan Grappelli’s trills and runs also sang the 30’s tunes associated with The Hot club of France.

This month our biggest event of the year takes place when we return to the garden of Lampeter House for our fifth

Jazz Garden Party  Sunday 20^th July

This year we feature 3 home grown Welsh acts who have a mission to entertain.

Banjo master Vic Partridge brings his stalwart crew of Dixielanders to get the party started with toe tapping tunes, followed by guitarist James Chadwick and Liz Exell. Top of the bill are the best jump jive crew in Wales,  The Numbers Racket featuring Dom Norcross on tenor sax and Elaina Hoss, dynamic singer with a powerful voice. There will be a Pimms bar and snacks but you are welcome to bring your own picnics. Please get your tickets online to avoid the queue.

Other jazz in the area includes:-

Brecon Jazz Festival 8th-10th August

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/brecon-jazz-festival-delivery-team

The 22nd Fishguard Jazz & Blues Festival 21st to 25th August 2025

https://www.aberjazz.com/

Swansea International Jazz Festival

4 – 7 September 2025  https://www.visitswanseabay.com/swansea-international-jazz-festival/

Whist not forgetting our August 21^st event with the return of the master of New Orleans piano – Dale Storr.

That’s all for now, we look forward to seeing you soon

The NJ Team

Narberth Jazz News, June 2025

Greetings Jazz Lovers,

I wonder if you were aware of the important cultural event that took place in the town last Saturday. I was vaguely aware that the high street would be closed, but not that a parade of druids, dignitaries and dandy’s  would be going round for the inauguration of this year’s national Eisteddfod.  They marched to the beat of young brass band, which reminded me of our project which is currently abandoned to create a youth band here. It proved to be beyond our capabilities last year despite an encouraging meeting of young players in Haverfordwest last March with Jazz Explorers, including guitarist James Chadwick and Tomos Williams.

Tomos is  the trumpeter who we feature at The Plas on Friday 30^th. May.

The National Youth Jazz Wales is an ambitious new partnership between Jazz Explorers Cymru, National Youth Arts Wales and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, supported by the Arts Council of Wales and National Music Service Wales. Together, they aim to build a new talent development programme to inspire and support young jazz musicians throughout Wales.

https://www.nyaw.org.uk/jazz

I am sure Tomos will have more news on this when his trio plays for us later this month on FRIDAY 39^th May

Our June jazz night features Llandjango, a name which includes a clue that you might recognise as Manouche music played by Welsh people. In fact four talented chaps from Cardigan area with guitars, bass and a fiddle playing the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephan Grappelli   Find them on Facebook (1) Facebook

Your committee is currently planning for the annual Garden Party at Lampeter House, which will take place on Sunday 20^th July with 2 great bands and maybe a mystery guest spot?. If you have time to spare we could do with a hand. Please volunteer at the box office when you next come to a show. Thank you.

• The festival season is already upon us with London and Cheltenham already in the past. We can look forward to
• Brecon 8-10 August, Swanage 11th – 13th July,
• Swansea International Jazz Festival September 4th, 5th, 6th & 7^th.
• Aberjazz Fishguard 21st-25th. August.

We welcomed back the Dick Hamer quartet with singer Jenny Jones to the Plas Hotel Narberth on 17^th of April. Dick Hamer is a wonderfully fluent tenor sax soloist with a big, round, warm tone on the instrument. He names his three main tenor sax influences as Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane and Joe Henderson. Jenny Jones is a talented jazz vocalist who has performed with Dick Hamer many times as well as singing with the Capital City and the Morriston Big Bands, to name but a few..

We also welcome back from last month’s superb  Narberth Jazz event ‘Trunk of Funk’, Dave Jones on piano. With the foundation rhythm accompanists  of Alan Vaughn – bass and Nick Hislam – drums to complete the line up.

So to the opening set which set the pattern for the evening. Starting with Wayne Shorter’s “Yes or No”, then the “Recado Bossa Nova” Next up it was Jenny Jones’s turn with a couple of Big Band numbers “All of Me” and Hoagy Carmichaels evergreen  “Georgia” Then on to the instrumentals compositions of Lee Morgan (of “The Sidewinder” fame) with a trip to Salsa territory ‘Ceora’, with the quartet bouncing ideas and solo’s for our delight. Back to Jenny with Peggy Lee’s  “Do right” then “Smile” and “Bluesette” The Quartet got really stuck into “Star Eyes” and then the closer “Cherokee” Altogether a wonderful evening of musicianship and entertainment

As passing note we had a lot more younger people in our audience at this event. We also tried to make the Plas room more like a jazz club with subdued lighting and even table lamps!!

• We also had good reviews from the Press
• Narberth Jazz welcomed back the Dick Hamer Quartet | Western Telegraph
• Narberth Jazz welcomes back Dick Hamer Quartet | Tenby Observer

That’s all for now from —

Narberth Jazz team

Your April News.

Spring Greetings Jazz lovers,

Dave Jones must be the hardest working pianist in Wales. After last months gig for us, on the 20th March, with his ‘Trunk of Funk’ band he appeared in Newport for an afternoon event with Sarah Couch singing and the Jazzolina Trio. This Friday [4^th] he is in Hay on Wye with drummer John Gibbon.

Happily this gifted and versatile musician was welcomed back with us this month to the Plas Hotel with Dick Hamer on Thursday 17^th. April.

Dick Hamer is a wonderfully fluent tenor sax soloist with a big, round, warm tone on the instrument. He names his three main tenor sax influences as Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane and Joe Henderson.

He has graced our stage before but here he is with Gethin Liddington to remind you what a swinging player he is.

https://youtu.be/L8oIL-Gqm8Q?si=acTNkuq7CKtxM9om

Jenny Jones will be singing with Dick and is the talented jazz vocalist who has performed with Dick Hamer many times as well as singing with the Capital City and Morriston Big Bands. The foundation rhythm section was Alan Vaughn – bass and Nick Hislam – drums.

Please note that our May jazz night will be on FRIDAY 30^th and will feature the fabulous Tomos Williams with Aiden Thorne and Matthew Homes.

The next Aberjazz event is The Transatlantic Hot Club  in Ffwrn on Sunday 4th May at 2:30pm

Swansea Jazz is now based at the Cu club in Mumbles and has an excellent programme of jazz weekly on Wednesdays, well worth travelling for. https://www.swanseajazzland.co.uk

If you haven’t yet renewed your Membership for 2025 please do.

More news later when the weather goes back to normal and we are confined to ‘indoors!’

All the very best from the NJ Team