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.
