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