A review of the August event, together with some more news for you.

On the 20^th August we were entrained by our local group Llandjango.

Llandjango breathes fresh energy into the timeless gypsy jazz tradition made famous by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, combining virtuoso musicianship with the warmth and spontaneity that made the Hot Club de France sound so irresistible. Their music moves effortlessly between elegant swing, lyrical melodies, and driving, foot-stomping rhythms, creating the kind of atmosphere that draws an audience in from the very first tune. It is music full of colour, movement, and close musical conversation, where every solo has space to sparkle and every rhythm keeps the room alive.

You may think you have heard this music before, but listen again and you soon realise that Llandjango are doing far more than recreating a familiar style. Led by Robbie Goodwin, the group takes the spirit of Reinhardt, Grappelli, and the legendary Hot Club de Paris as its starting point, then broadens the sound with ideas drawn from Charlie Parker and the bebop revolution. The result is a repertoire that respects the swing and charm of classic gypsy jazz while adding sharper twists, richer harmonies, and a lively sense of invention. It is this combination of tradition and surprise that gives Llandjango their distinctive voice and makes their live performances so exciting.

Next Month [September] we are looking forward to the long awaited return of Tomos Williams with the Miles Davis music as presented by his band 7Steps: The Music of Miles Davis  –  Thursday 17^th September 2026 at the Plas Narberth

Experience the sound, spirit and electricity of Miles Davis as trumpeter Tomos Williams brings 7Steps to Narberth for a powerful night of world-class jazz.
From timeless classics including So What, All Blues and Milestones to deeper cuts such as JosCategorieshua, Masqualero, Teo and maybe even Tomaas. 7Steps capture

the energy, invention and

atmosphere of Miles’ extraordinary catalogue.Marking the centenary year of Miles Davis’s birth, this special performance pays homage to one of the most influential musicians of the 20^th century — delivered with passion, grit and burning improvisation.

Led by Tomos Williams on trumpet, the quintet features an outstanding line-up of Welsh jazz talent: Joe Northwood on tenor sax, Dave Jones on piano, Aidan Thorne on bass and Mark O’Connor on drums.
Tomos Williams is a distinctive and leading voice on the Welsh jazz scene. With his deep connection to Miles Davis’s music, 7Steps is a natural and compelling project for him to front.
Tomos Williams’s acclaimed performances are always popular — book early for an unforgettable evening of swinging jazz, bold solos and the timeless music of Miles Davis.

This Summer seasons of Jazz festivals is underway with AberJazz 23rd Jazz & Blues festival – 27th to 31st August.         Buy Tickets

Swansea Intrnational Jazz Festival is to be held on 3rd to 6th September    JAZZ FESTIVAL 2026

Black Mountain Jazz’s festival is on the weekend 25th – 27th September.    wall2wall Festival 2024 | Black Mountain Jazz I Abergavenny

What a year with centenaries for both Miles Davis and John Coltrane to celebrate.

So Jazz fans now that the weather has eventually broken please enjoy the music on offer in the ‘cool’ and we hope to see you back at the Plas soon.

That’s all for now from Narberth Jazz.

Narberth Jazz Garden Party Draws a Lively Crowd

Narberth Jazz held its sixth annual Garden Party, in the beautiful surroundings of Lampeter House, on Sunday 19 July. The weather was superb: sunny, not too hot, and with a gentle breeze. A substantial crowd enjoyed performances from the three bands, each bringing a different musical style to the afternoon.

The Vic Partridge group opened the event with traditional Dixieland jazz to set the joyous mood for the afternoon.

They were followed by our own Dom Norcross Quartet, who began with standards from the American songbook. Midway through their set, they were joined by vocalist Elaina Hoss, who quickly picked up on the rhythms and received enthusiastic responses from the crowd.

The afternoon concluded with Trwbadwr, featuring singer Sarah Davenport. This septet presented a selection of Latin jazz and blues, with Spanish and South American flavours blending with the deep south blues and encouraging the audience to get up and dance.

With its welcoming setting, varied programme and enthusiastic crowd, the Garden Party again proved to be a tremendous success for live music

Narberth Jazz will host its sixth Garden Party at Lampeter House on Sunday 19 July, offering an afternoon of live music, food and summer refreshments in one of the town’s most delightful settings. Guests are invited to relax in the beautiful surroundings of Lampeter House while enjoying music from three bands, each bringing a different style to the day. Pimm’s and a bar will be available, alongside Simon’s famous wood-fired authentic Italian pizza’s. The annual event has become a popular summer fixture for music lovers and the local community, combining live jazz and good company with a relaxed garden-party atmosphere.

Eddie Gripper Trio brings road-trip reflections to Narberth Jazz at the Plas Hyfred Hotel, Narberth, on Thursday 18 June 2026.

Narberth Jazz welcomed back the Eddie Gripper Trio for an evening that combined thoughtful original writing with the easy assurance of three musicians clearly at home in one another’s company. The programme centred on music from Gripper’s second album, Americana, released in April 2026 and inspired by his 8,000 km hitchhiking journey from Alaska to California in the summer of 2022. That sense of travel gave the evening its shape, with the music suggesting wide landscapes, passing encounters and moments of quiet reflection. Six pieces from Americana were woven through the set, alongside standards associated with Ray Brown, Clifford Brown, Paul Simon and Charlie Parker. The balance worked well, giving the audience a clear sense of Gripper’s own musical voice while placing it in conversation with familiar material. Gripper’s lyrical compositions proved full of delightful and unexpected nuances, and the audience responded warmly to their understated detail. On double bass, Clem Saynor brought depth and poise, while Patrick Barrett-Donlon’s drumming added colour and momentum without overwhelming the music.

Together, the trio produced a performance of relaxed interplay and quiet confidence, moving easily between original pieces and jazz repertoire. It was a rewarding return of Eddie Gripper to Narberth Jazz, and a reminder of the strength of live music in the town’s cultural calendar.

“Gripper is a most able guide through it all, bringing well-rounded compositions that twist and evolve with curiosity and joy, reflecting the many ideas he took from his trip down the West Coast. And he is a guide that you really want to spend time with, where repeat listenings reveal additional details that draw you in, and all delivered with an elegant touch and phrasing able to lift the heart. Clem Saynor (double bass) and Patrick Barrett-Donlon (drums) complete this assured trio’s sound, skilfully fleshing-out Gripper’s vision.”   Jon Vernon (Jazz Views)

On 21 May at the Plas Hotel, we were entertained by Ms Maggie & The Cat’s Pyjamas,

A South Wales band blending 1920s and 1930s speakeasy jazz, blues and swing with a distinct New Orleans flavour. Their arrangements felt fresh and lively, while remaining true to the spirit of the originals.

The performers were:

• Ms Maggie — vocals
• Gethin Liddington — trumpet
• Vic Partridge — banjo and guitar
• Steve Davis — tuba

The group performed more than 20 numbers, including classics from the 1920s and 1930s such as St Louis Blues, Sweet Georgia Brown, Minnie the Moocher, Why Don’t You Do Right, Rosetta and an outstanding rendition of Creole Love Call.

The band’s relaxed style and assured musicianship created an enjoyable atmosphere and added greatly to the audience’s experience.

More news from Narberth Jazz for May 2026

Greetings Narberth Jazz people,

I hope you were among the happy crowd who came to enjoy The Transatlantic Hot Club last month because it was an evening full of musical thrills from a superb quartet of international musicians. Just to see and marvel at the huge red harp of Ben Creighton Griffiths played with such verve and skill on the Django tunes was such a treat. Special mention for the accordion player Jeremy Lohier from Corsica.

Apparently my appeal for help in last months news has fallen on stoney ground thus far, so I ask again. If you have a little time to spare to attend a brief meeting once a month and help out with the pleasant tasks of bringing quality music to South Pembrokeshire – please give Gordon a call on this number 01437 541277, he will be so very pleased!

I was shocked to read in the Guardian recently that the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans, is destined to be overcome by the rising waters of the Gulf of Mexico within 50 years and nothing can be done to save it. Plans are being drawn to move the entire population inland to higher ground. Link here:-

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/04/new-orleans-sea-levels-relocationclimatecrisis?CMP=share_btn_url&fbclid=IwY2xjawRmp7BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEehYnKXILI6OyZOcNgVdq-XFIUojHFxFAzswopyK0nE6oogOmEZx7ht7wV9AY_aem_ZGS79wAW29bTloxJwgyH9

Our next gig at the Pas Hotel is on 21st May we present for your enjoyment Ms.Maggie & The Cat’s Pyjamas

They are a South Wales based band serving up a heady melting pot of 1920-30s speakeasy jazz, blues and swing with a New Orleans vibe – reimagined, reworked and sometimes rewritten. Jazz vocalist Amanda Magrin (Ms. Maggie) is joined by an exceptional line-up of musicians well known to the UK jazz circuit: Gethin Liddington on trumpet, Vic Partridge on banjo/guitar, Steve Davis on Tuba. Collectively they truly are The Cat’s Pyjamas !

I hope to see you there, Tickets from www.narberthjazz.wales on the door.

We are also beginning to plan and put together the Narberth Jazz’s 6^th Garden Party at Lampeter House on Sunday the 19^th July. If you would / could help us with the support and organisation we would be most pleased. We have booked three great bands so it should be quite an event.

Best wishes

DC and The NJ Team.

Review of our April event

The Transatlantic Hot Club launched their UK and European tour with an engaging performance at the Plas Hotel, in collaboration with Narberth Jazz, on Thursday, 16^th .

Audiences were treated to a captivating set featuring classic renditions of ‘le jazz hot’. Founded on the sun-soaked French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, The Transatlantic Hot Club is now based between New York, Cardiff, and France. Renowned for their exhilarating fusion of gypsy jazz and swing, the group has delighted audiences across the globe. Their distinctive sound draws inspiration from the legendary Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, uniquely interpreted on harp and violin—a combination rarely found in this genre anywhere else in the world.

Alongside their core selection of swing jazz, The Transatlantic Hot Club’s repertoire also encompasses Latin jazz, French chanson, and traditional European folk music. We were treated to compositions not only by Django Reinhardt but the set listing included numbers by illustrious masters including Kern, Berlin, Waren, Garner. Plus the interpretations of Olivieri, Bonfa, Lagrene ending the final set with La Vie en Rose.

Wonderful stuff!! The audience gave the ‘Hot Club’ a rapturous reception recognising both their skills as musicians and their ‘joie de vivre’ performance.

The musicians performing for this event were:

• Ben Creighton Griffiths (Cardiff – harp)

• Adrien Chevalier (New York – violin/vocals)

• Jeremy Lohier (Corsica – accordion/vocals)

• Ashley John Long (Cardiff – bass)

Next Month on Thursday 21st May we have Ms.Maggie & The Cat’s Pyjamas, serving up a heady melting pot of 1920-30s speakeasy jazz, blues and swing with a New Orleans vibe.

Tickets from www.narberthjazz.wales or “at the door” in the Plas Hotel – Narberth

March/April NEWS

Greetings Jazz people,

Welcome to Narberth Jazz news written late March in the middle of Trump and Putin’s wars on humanity, reason and justice. Dreadful suffering for many, displacement and pollution spreading widely, But here in rural Wales we are far away from these horrors and able to turn to the arts and comedy and good food as distractions from the ghastliness of the world at this time.

Our monthly gathering to listen to the wealth of creative music made here is a blessed oasis of beauty that continues to delight. This months performance by the wonderful guitarist Dan Messore, bassist Paula Gardiner and percussionist Liz Exell proved once again that transcendence is available if can dive into the music. Three highly experienced musicians gave some great tunes a thorough exploration and our small audience an interesting evening.

Gordon Barry has been the main man working at the coalface at Narberth Jazz for the last several years. He keeps the accounts, negotiates and books the bands (in consultation with other members of the committee) He maintains the website and stores and brings the lighting equipment to each gig. He writes and sends out press releases and reviews to the local papers. He is now well into his eighties and needs to be relieved of some of these duties, surely with all the people who enjoy the jazz and receive this newsletter there are a couple who could take over some of this work.

If you would like to help keep us going please reply to  info@narberthjazz.wales

Looking forward to our April presentation, we welcome for the first time at Narberth Jazz The Transatlantic Hot Club live on 16th April 2026 at the Plas Hotel

Founded on the sunny French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe and based between New York, Cardiff, and France – The Transatlantic Hot Club have been delighting audiences around the globe with their exciting blend of gypsy jazz and swing since 2013.

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.

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. Their flexible ensemble has included an enviable roster of international musicians keeping their tours unique year on year for their audiences. They have played internationally and for the Aberjazz crowd and their Cardiff date later this month is already sold out, we are fortunate to have them in Narberth as they are a very busy band.

That’s all for now from

The Narberth jazz team headed by our President Declan Connally.

PS – Don’t forget your Membership please

Membership Renewal 2026Narberth Jazz

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.