update for early Spring 2023

Spring Greetings Jazz lovers,

We can look forward to a season of great live jazz in Narberth. We started well with the free improv of Duski in February, contrasting with the highly arranged music of Kenny Garrett with Dave Jones’ Quintet last month and now star saxman Simon Spillett with John Gibbon Trio, this month with John Paul Gard on piano.

Over his twenty-five year career Simon Spillett has worn almost as many hats as it’s possible to wear within jazz; multi-award-winning instrumentalist (BBC Jazz Awards, British Jazz Awards, Jazz Journal’s Album of The Year), quartet and big band leader, recording artist, author, historian, record producer, archivist, magazine columnist, Social Media commentator and latterly blogger.

However, for all these varied skills he identifies most strongly as a powerfully swinging, straight-ahead tenor saxophonist, one capable of taking the audiences who hear him on a roller-coaster ride encompassing everything from energetic bebop to heartfelt balladry.

A charismatic performer, gifted with a dry observational wit, he’s never lost sight of the fact that jazz is entertainment as much as self-expression and whether playing, writing or articulately holding forth on his favourite subject – UK jazz history – he’s an infectiously passionate communicator.

We are proud to have him here to play for us on Thursday 20th April order your tickets via the website at an early date www.narberthjazz.wales/events

18 May  23       John Coltrane

22 June 23       Jazz Passengers

13 July 23        Thomas Williams Seven Steps

5 August 23      Garden Party – an afternoon/evening at Lampeter House. Music tba

Other Jazz in the Shire

Tenby Jazz brunch is on 16th April with The Keith Little Trio and Jane Williams

Aberjazz Fishguard has Huw Warren & Iain Bellamy on March 31st but you have missed the boat as it is now sold out.   Here is a nice link to a Huw Warren solo for home enjoyment  https://youtu.be/wbI-r-Up6-k

Jazz in the Village. Saturday 29th April

At Longstone Community Hall -Ludchurch (SA67 8JG)

Part of Ian Miller and Dominic Spencer’s UK tour  www.millarandspencer.co.uk

Jazz on the media

Wayne Shorter died on 2nd March and Jazz record requests on Radio 3 has a tribute edition on Sunday 26th. March https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001bs8x

In the heady days when David Attenborough was in charge at BBC2 we had Jazz 625, a weekly live jazz programme, often introduced by Humphrey Lyttleton. These days Jazz on TV is a rare thing but last Friday BBC 4 had a documentary about Ottilie Patterson who oldies will remember singing with Chris Barber in the 1950’s.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001ht97

Be warned, Chris Barber comes out of it badly.

Scrolling through the suggestions on YouTube, I came across this fascinating radio programme on Art Tatum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G4wtPG33Ss from 1991.

To celebrate women’s history month, Blossom Dearie https://youtu.be/4hGjzuXchGg

We would like to expand our core group of volunteers so if you have any time to spare to keep live music going, please let us know info@narberthjazz.wales

‘That’s All Folks’

Declan on behalf of the NJ team

Jazz News for March 2023

Link

 

I think we can look forward to an interesting season of live music planned for the months ahead, and with your support build on the success of last year’s programme.

  • But first I must bring to your attention the little matter of support in the shape of our annual membership which is now due if you have yet to join or re-join. This is really important, not just for the £15 fee which helps with the expenses of marketing etc, but with a healthy number of members we can show funders that we are worth their attention.  So please help and show your support for live jazz in Pembrokeshire with a commitment of just £15. Thank You.
  • Just click here to complete the process https://narberthjazz.wales/event/membership-renewal/
  • Not only will you get at least £1 off at each live show, but also the occasional ‘members only’ event and the right to vote at the AGM which will be in March, and that will be your chance to vote us out and run NJ yourselves!

Dave Jones is a classically-trained pianist and organist who developed an interest in jazz, and studied with jazz author Lionel Grigson from the Guildhall School of Music in London. He has since released numerous critically-acclaimed jazz albums with his own ensembles and appeared on albums by other artists, with whom he tours in the UK and Ireland and overseas. He also composes and produces music for TV and Film.

Jones has long been a fan of the music of the great ex-Miles Davis saxophonist/composer Kenny Garrett. So began the process of discovering Garrett’s other music, both older and newer.

Andy Hague (Trumpet) had a great set of charts for a wide selection of Garrett’s tunes. So began the current Quintet programme. Jones now utilising Hague’s horn-playing skills adding the impressive Ben Waghorn (sax), Ashley John Long (bass), and Ryan Thrupp (drums) to complete the Quintet from great players, their collective skills, experience, and credits make this a project to watch out for…

Some background for you.

Ben Waghorn (saxes and flutes for NYJO, Tommy Chase, Slowly Rolling Camera and Keith Tippett, Goldfrapp, Kasabian and Portishead),  Ashley John Long (bass for John Law, Brandon Allen, Geoff Eales, Alan Barnes, Scott Hamilton, and London Philharmonic Orchestra), Andy Hague (trumpeter for Portishead, his own bands, and Be-Bop Club in Bristol regular), and pianist Dave Jones has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, performed internationally, and has TV composition credits including ‘The Big Bang Theory’, the US Open Golf Tournament, ‘The Today Show’, and ‘Location, Location, Location’.

A little taster for you. Dave Jones Quintet | birminghamjazz.co.uk


Friday 24th February  we presented the extraordinary DUSKI.

This band’s sound is based on the amazing guitar of Dan Messore with a killer rhythm section of Aiden Thorne (acoustic and electric Bass) and Mark O’Connor drums.

Dan uses all the pedals on his foot board to create imaginary soundscapes that are so far from what we  expect from a guitarist, they are more akin to synthesiser keyboards. The band can be heard on Bandcamp and have 3 CD’s out on the Ropeadope label.

Www.duskimusic.co.uk

Please note that this gig is at The Plas Hotel  on FRIDAY 24th. February.

In March we will welcome back the composer and pianist DAVE JONES, who is now leading an all-star 5 piece band, and are touring his ‘A hole In One’ project and CD which the band put their mark on the great music of Kenny Garrett. The band includes Bristol based trumpet and drum star Andy Hague who we have featured at the Plas in the past.

They will also be promoting their latest CD release which was recorded live at Pizza Express, London earlier this month.

Www.davejonesjazz.com

April will see the return of our ‘resident’ trio led by drummer John Gibbon. They will have  with them, Simon Spillet on tenor sax who is a lot more than a fine player in the Stan Getz to Sonny Rollins styles.    He has won every award possible for his playing and compositions, he is also an author, record producer and magazine columnist.

Www.simonspillett.com

Other jazz around the county includes Tenby jazz Sunday brunch on 12th February with Dick Hamer and Tommy Harris Quintet.

Www.tenbyjazz.co.uk

Aberjazz do not have any gigs this month but our friend Nick Hislam is leading his Jazzology Band and playing regular nights at The Royal Oak on Fishguard main square. Details if you call them on 01348 218632.

We hope you will have a great month and would welcome any feedback/comments you may have. Please keep an eye on our website where all info can be found as well as tickets to all events.

Www.narberthjazz.wales

Early January 2023

Early January News from Narberth Jazz

Greetings Jazz people,

Welcome and may we wish you a Happy New Year, one we hope will be better than 2022.

This will be a slightly abbreviated newsletter as your Event Organiser Declan is going on holiday for a well-deserved rest and recuperation break.

Our Christmas event with the Constellation Big Band at the Queens Hall really went with a swing and was enjoyed by a good crowd of participants.

Now; our first event for 2023 was Dick Hamer’s Jazz Passengers with singer Jenny Jones  on Thursday 19th January at the Plas

Saxophonist Dick Hamer has been a leading figure on the jazz scene for a number of years and leads this stellar band featuring Trumpeter Gethin Liddington, Trombonist Phil Jarvis with a rhythm section of Paul Shepherd drums Ashley John Long Double Bass, and Richard West piano. They are graced with an experienced singer in Jenny Jones.

Dick Hamer’s career to date has been mainly as a performer and teacher on sax, clarinet and flute, ranging from jazz, with his own ensembles from quartet up to big band, and appearances with various leading UK and USA players, (Bobby Shew, Stan Tracy, Loren Schonberg, Lew Tabackin) to the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, as well as plenty of varied broadcasting, recording and theatre work. He has previously served as musical director of the Welsh Jazz Orchestra, and in the mid 80’s founded and directed the successful South Glamorgan youth jazz. He has always composed and arranged for his own and other ensembles, and recently decided to expand on this by writing pieces for publication. Some people will remember Ashley John long as the bass player featured recently here with the trio Yetii. A great evening’s musical entertainment is assured from this excellent band

Discography below: –
www.discogs.com/artist/642209-Richard-Hamer

Go direct here to get your tickets The Jazz PassengersNarberth Jazz

or call on our new number 07551 793388

Please put the following dates in your Diaries:

Friday 24th February 2023 the exiting DUSKI – at the Plas Hotel

Thursday 16th March 2023 – Dave Jones Quintet again at the Plas Hotel

Lots more events to follow in 2023

Thank you from the Narberth Jazz team

Please don’t forget to update your 2023 Membership at:-

Membership Renewal 2023Narberth Jazz

For new and returning Members

Please go to the website and fill in the Membership form at –

Membership | Narberth Jazz This  will allow us to contact you legally for information and updates as required.

You may then pay By visiting our website www.narberthjazz.wales

Click on Events/Tickets and Membership Renewal and “Get Tickets” which will allow secure Card payment.

Or if you prefer pay by BACS transfer to:- HSBC bank, Narberth Jazz,

Sort Code 40-23-21. Account Number 11620630

November Update 2022

November News updates from Narberth Jazz.

Greetings Jazz people,

Welcome to the winter Newsletter, which has to start with an apology. We have been having trouble with our phone supplier and find that we have not been able to hear or respond to calls for some time – so sorry if you have been calling us. To resolve this issue we have had to change our contact number to 07551 793388. We love to hear from you on any subject so do call us. Tickets are best ordered online as usual, but if that’s not convenient for you, we can take telephone orders.

Now on to our special winter event. Which will be in the local community venue the Queens Hall on Thursday 8th December.

This will feature the premier West Wales big band, The Constellation Big Band. You may remember that in October 2021 we featured the Tribute to Humphry Lyttleton 10 piece band led by Chris Hodgkins and now we are proud to have this marvellous co-operative unit, who have been playing swing music since the 1970’s, based in Neath. They were featured at Brecon Jazz in the summer and went down a storm on the outside stage.

This party type evening is a rare chance to have a full 16-piece band of experienced players in Narberth. They will not only bring us well known swing tunes but also contemporary songs and Christmassy confections in line with the season. Please bring your family and friends to enjoy a rare treat just before Christmas.

It was a joy to hear the young trio Yetii at our last Plas gig, who kept us attentive to their beautiful original tunes and we gave them a rousing send off after they had encored with Lady Madonna. It was thanks to Ben, our chairperson, who rescued them from a broken-down car in Fishguard and took them to our venue along with their instruments in time to soundcheck.

The rest of the winter programme is now arranged and I think you will enjoy the mix of new and familiar faces we have lined up.

  • So on the 19th January sees the debut of singer Jenny Jones with an all-star 6 piece band  led by ace saxman Dick Hamer
  • February 24th a Friday night The guitar bass and drum unit DUSKI  https://duskimusic.co.uk/track/simple-song
  • Then on March  16th Dave Jones Quintet The tremendous Welsh piano star playing the music of Kenny Garrett.       https://www.davejonesjazz.com/videos

Tenby Jazz Brunches continue at The Imperial Hotel with Afternoon in Paris on 11th. December.

BBC Four The young Jazz Musician finalists. Fantastically talented young people well worth seeing if you missed it. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b00bb3wt/bbc-young-musician


Membership

We appreciate the support all of you have given Narberth Jazz over the past year, but we would like more people to become members and help to keep us relevant for the needs of the whole musical and community of Narberth.

Besides getting a discount on all ticketed events members have the warm feeling of supporting a voluntary group, as well as adding spice to the local music scene.

Membership numbers are also very important for our credibility when we look for funding for the projects that we have had to defer at present, so please join up. It’s only £15per year.

There will be a subtle reminder before the new year to encourage you to renew your membership.


As we said at the top, we love to hear from you on any subject so do get in touch when you feel like it.

Don’t forget your tickets for the Christmas party here https://narberthjazz.wales/event/christmas-party/

Very best Wishes for the season

Declan and the NJ team

 

 

November 2022 News

Narberth Jazz News for November 2022

Please note our Mobile phone number has changed to 07551 793388

Hello Friends,

Welcome to our November news, as we watch the leaves falling all around us and wait for the official ‘Autumn Statement’ which will tell us how our finances will be impacted by war, climate change and the pandemic, we know it will not be good news but we have the joy of creative music at our monthly gathering to look forward to and take us to a different place.

Our next live show is on the 17th of November, we have a young pianist and composer who is poised on the brink of a glittering career in music with his trio called YETII.  Alex Veitch – piano Ashley John Long – bass Alex Goodyear – drums PLEASE book your tickets now as they are going fast!

He graduated from Cambridge University in 2013 where he played regularly with the Andy Bowie Quartet and went on to study on the Jazz Piano Master’s Program at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying under musicians including Gareth Lockrane, Jason Rebello and Malcolm Edmonstone.

Alex counts Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett and Fats Waller among his main influences. In his spare time Alex enjoys active pursuits such as running and cycling: a county champion athlete and long distance cyclist from London to Barcelona in summer 2016.The band has been playing together for 5 years, with a monthly residency at The Greenbank in Bristol. They’ve had time to hone their sound and their style is very interactive, with segues between tunes and frequent forays in and out of improvised sections.

Here is a link to an original composition by the band called ‘Summer’: https://youtu.be/v194E3DHzg8

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Inevitably at this time, thoughts turn to Christmas and this year we have an absolute corker of a party lined up at the Queens Hall.  Please book your ticket soon as places are going fast.

Constellation Big Band has been delighting audiences since1973 and was originally known as ‘Joe Berni Dance Band Neath’ Originally filled with musicians who played in bands during the war and post-war years, who came together to once again enjoy the pleasures of playing music that they loved. Over the years, the Band have toured Germany and played at various prestigious venues and have appeared on S4C’s ‘Heno’ TV programme.

Several personnel stayed with this fine Band over the years and they are very proud that a number of fine musicians remain amongst their ranks almost half a century since the beginning alongside the young players who have recently joined the ranks. The band recreates the sounds of music from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton and many more. They also take pride in having a vast array of music to play all genres of musical taste and style. They have two talented and versatile vocalists in Angharad Sanders and Chris Richards, both very experienced big band singers and presenters, under the musical direction of Phil Anthony. This will be the first time in many years that the band have played in Narberth and we can’t wait to enjoy this rare treat.

You can see more about the band here https://www.constellationbigband.co.uk/welcome

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I am still buzzing from the Jazz Promoters Network conference which I went to last week in Belfast. I made some great contacts for the future of Narberth Jazz. Plans for 2023 are well advanced, but we are always open to your recommendations, so please stay in touch.

An important word from the management

Because our only income comes from ticket sales and membership fees, we need to find other sources of income to keep ticket prices down as low as we can. We are considering some form of what is known as ‘Merch’. A tea/coffee mug is favourite among the committee, but it could be a cap or a T-shirt etc. We look to you for your choice before we invest.

We want to feature our logo and a brief, witty, relevant text following it.

Can you reply and tell us what you suggest? There will be a prize for the suggestion that becomes the one we use.  

info@narberthjazz.wales 

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Now a few interesting links for you:

Firstly, London Jazz Festival has a stunning line up and kicks off tomorrow and runs till the 17th.November https://efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk/

Tenby Jazz features the Dom Norcross trio with Elaina Hoss next Sunday 13th at The Imperial Hotel https://tenbyjazz.co.uk/

Black Mountain jazz Wall To Wall festival in Abergavenny is coming up soon http://blackmountainjazz.co.uk/

I found a fun group called The Jazz Cannibals on YouTube, see what you think of them  https://youtu.be/rzdCxpXAFwM

The 100 year old BBC continue to cater to us on Saturday and Sunday afternoons on R3 and Jamie Cullum on R2 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001dctt

I also found this on World service https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct43qq The Truth about jazz!

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Did you notice the poster images featured here? they are both the work of a talented designer friend of the club based in Preston where he runs a group called Jazzin the Park https://jazzinthepark.uk/

That’s all for now I hope to see you at an event soon

Declan and the NJ Team

October 2022 Jazz News

October 2022 Jazz News.

Hello and welcome to The October news from Narberth Jazz.

‘More fun than you can shake a stick at’.

(Where did that stick shaking come from).

At least that was what participants told me about our September event which was aimed at widening the jazz audience with the St. Louis Express swing and jive band, who had people dancing from the first number – I’m told. I could not join in the fun because Maggie and I were laid low with a bout of Covid 19 Thankfully we are now over it.

There have been calls for more dance events and there is one in the pipeline for the Christmas Special which will be at the Queens Hall on Thursday 8th. December with the Constellation Big Band. This band was formed circa 1973 and has been playing continuously since.

The 18 piece band recreates the sounds of the Big Band era with music from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton and many more. They also pride themselves in having a vast array of music to accommodate all genres of musical taste and style.

A recent picture of the front line. I could not find any recent film footage, but this might get you ‘In The Mood’ https://youtu.be/TlRlXk7nk1U

This month’s live event at the Plas will feature a fine Welsh Alto player – Glen Manby.

Glen Manby is an alto saxophonist, composer, and teacher, working primarily in straight ahead modern acoustic jazz.

His main influences are Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, and Cannonball Adderley. He gained an M.A. in Jazz at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and was granted a scholarship to study at a New York music college

He will be playing for us with the indefatigable John Gibbon trio on Thursday 20th October. Tickets  Glen Manby with John Gibbon Trio | Narberth Jazz 

In November we will feature a very talented young pianist – Alex Veitch who is based in Bristol and now calls his trio YETII, a strange name for creative but conventional piano bass and drum group playing Alex’s music. Their debut CD is showcased by this tour. I think you will enjoy their fresh music.

This is ‘Summer’ https://youtu.be/g61NxC9v-Bw

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Tenby Jazz has Moonshine Boulevard on 9th October. You will need to book lunch at the Imperial hotel. More info here https://tenbyjazz.co.uk/

Sadly the great Pharaoh Sanders passed away recently, so you can find a number of tribute mixes here https://www.mixcloud.com/

I was reminded about the neglected piano master Dave McKenna by this terrific tribute film https://www.pbs.org/video/the-key-man-dave-mckenna-ybiywk/

I recently attended a Zoom meeting with others working in jazz in Wales (Jazz Promoters Network) where guitarist Nigel Price talked about his work in setting up Grassroots Jazz, to help clubs keep going in difficult times. He emphasised the importance of social media in bringing people into clubs.

We are looking for a person who enjoys working with social media to enhance our offering on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. If you have relatives who might like to help, please let us know.

That’s all for now, just a reminder that any comments you have would be welcome via our website or Facebook page which is found by looking for Narberth Jazz.

Declan and the NJ team

 

September 2022 Jazz News

September Jazz News

It’s been a busy time in the jazz world since we last met up, with Brecon, Llandeilo and Fishguard festivals, packed with performances. Several of us (the NJ core group) took the A40 for a day at Brecon Jazz, which like ourselves is run entirely by volunteers, and enjoyed a hot day of free music in the town square and the church. We were impressed with the Constellation big band and have since booked them for our December show. Since there are up to 20 players, this will be at the Queens Hall.

Meanwhile back at the chicken shack, we chickens have been busy letting all our friends and relations know about the fabulous Swing and jive dance that is our next date at the Plas. Yes it’s Thursday 15th. and will be quite different to our previous shows. This one will have the dance floor cleared and all the large tables removed and replaced by small tables and lots of chairs!

A chance to dance but – sitting to enjoy the nostalgic music is also an option, there will be enough seating if dancing is not for you.

Click here to get your tickets now www.narberthjazz.wales/events

Click here for a taste of the band  https://youtu.be/80BXB4mQ85U  If you feel like dressing in swing era styles we would be delighted.

 

We have also been looking ahead so we can promise you an interesting autumn/winter programme with the return of The John Gibbon trio, with Guy Shotton on piano, Ollie Blanchflower on acoustic bass and John on small drum set and caustic comments.

They will be playing on October 20th with star alto sax player Glen Manby.

Glen Manby is an alto saxophonist, composer, and teacher, working primarily in straight ahead modern acoustic jazz. His main influences are Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, and Cannonball Adderley. He gained an M.A. in Jazz at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and was granted a scholarship to study at a New York music college. Glen has had some high profile gigs including the EU European Summit, the Queen’s banquet for the Opening of the Senedd Welsh Parliament, the Opening of the Wales Millennium Centre, and club dates around Britain, as well as gigs in New York, Germany, and Switzerland. In 2015 he was awarded an Arts Council of Wales Project Grant to compose, arrange and record a new repertoire with his recently-formed quintet, featuring Steve Waterman, Leon Greening, Adam King, and Matt Home. The resulting CD, “Homecoming”, is available on the Mainstem jazz label.

Glen has previously taught saxophone at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and was a part-time lecturer in music at the University of South Wales for 12 years. He was visiting jazz saxophone tutor at Cardiff University School of Music 2000-2021.

He will be playing for us with the indefatigable John Gibbon trio on Thursday 20th October. Tickets here: Glen Manby with John Gibbon TrioNarberth Jazz

You can read about his career here https://www.glenmanby.com/about

and listen to him here https://youtu.be/2Frd_9a6jvs

On November 17th. we will feature a young group from Bristol on tour for their first album. They hail from Bristol where they have made a big splash with a monthly gig at The Greenbank. Alex Veitch, who is the very talented pianist, is a first class emerging artist and we are proud to present his band which is called YETII.

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The next Tenby Jazz Lunch at The Imperial Hotel, on 18th Sep, features the “swinging mainstream vibes with a hint of West Coast low-key coolness” from the Cool Jazz Quartet. Led by Greg Sterland (tenor & baritone sax).

We hope you were able to watch some of the BBC Proms, which I enjoyed, including the South African Jazz prom which was really exciting https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001bcrz

August 2022 News Letter

Welcome to the August newsletter from Narberth Jazz

Firstly a big thank you to all who helped to make our second garden party a success, without you we could not have pulled it off. The weather also has to be credited, it was a perfect Pembrokeshire day, and of course, our wonderful hosts Mr. and Mrs Williams who coped with the disruption and fed the crew afterwards.

Please see the Home page for further pictures of the event.

Onwards and upwards to an exciting autumn programme which I hope you will find to be interestingly different.

This month we are back at the Plas hotel, on the last Thursday of August, the 25th. with a great pianist and raconteur, DALE STORR. He became fascinated with the piano styles of New Orleans and has made it his business to bring the joys of ‘The Sounds of New Orleans’ to piano fans of the UK. Inspired by his parents’ record collection of early R’n’B he immersed himself in the evocative music of New Orleans and soon became a sought after pianist for many visiting blues artists. Eventually he immersed himself in the music of his heroes, professor Longhair, James Booker, Alan Toussaint and Dr. John. Eventually he took his show based on this music all around the UK and Europe, and now we can enjoy his acclaimed show, based on those styles.

There is a rolling example of his style on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/tim.aves.7/videos/1510977059322266

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In September we will do something that we have been asked to do for some time, and that is to host a dance event, and oh boy – we have been able to secure the best Swing and Jump Jivers available to take us back to the age of swing and sway – the incredible 7 piece band ST LOUIS EXPRESS.

Full of energy, great entertainment and fun, playing sounds from the Golden era of music 1920’s to early 1960’s. They have developed their sound to suit all ages from playing at various live music venues around the UK. Songs from legends, Ray Charles, Louis Jordan, Dean Martin. Louis Jordan. and plenty of swing classics. Playing Jazz and Swing standards that most people will recognise. They were the resident band for the Peaky Blinders events at Cardiff Depot & Motion Bristol, playing to sell out nights, attracting over 6,000 people. They regularly perform at Vintage festivals, corporate & special events. The band dress in vintage attire to take audiences back in time to the Swing era. They are known for entertaining audiences with infectious uptempo feel good music.

So look out your best vintage gear and get your tickets for this Narberth Jazz dance night at The Plas Hotel on September 15th. The band have a great following in South Wales and you are sure to find your feet heading for the dance floor as soon as they start to play.

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Thursday 20th October we will definitely welcome back the irrepressible John Gibbon trio with special guest, saxophonist GLEN MANBY.

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Lots of summer jazz going on around Wales including Brecon Jazz from 7th.-21st August www.breconjazz.org

Aberjazz Festival in Fishguard  26th – 29th August  has a host of gigs including actual jazz. www.aberjazz.com

Swanseajazz.co.uk has a packed programme  and Jazz in South Wales page

on Facebook has lots of events.

If you use Facebook , please visit our Narberth Jazz page and hit like!

That’s all for now

Declan and the NJ crew

June 2022 News letter

JUNE 2022 NEWSLETTER

Sunny June greetings to all NJ newsletter subscribers and a special welcome to new members. May’s live show which featured 3 of Wales best musicians and singer Jane Williams, was sadly under attended, but nevertheless they gave us a fine show of musical brilliance, playing many nostalgic numbers from the past.

The audience showed their appreciation and enjoyed the singing of Jane Williams and authentic improvisation of Keith and Gethins playing.

This month our team tramped the streets of Narberth and Templeton delivering fliers to encourage attendance at the gigs and afternoon music and chat sessions, but that did not result in increased interest, and so we have reluctantly decided to discontinue the afternoon events. Thank you to those who braved the barking dogs and posted through letterboxes.

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This month’s live evening will be on Thursday 16th June and features Dominic Norcross, the sax wielding fireman and Elaina Hoss. She sings in the evening and her day job is nursing.

They are both members of the popular party band Numbers Racket as well as respected jazzers who happen to live in our community. Joining the locals will be John Paul Gard on Hammond organ, who comes from Bristol to be with us and has released  several CD’s under his own name. This same band played last year for the streamed event we held during lockdown at the Queens Hall and was booked to play in January at the Plas, but that had to be moved to this June date due to virus restrictions. Playing in an easy mainstream style, reminiscent of Zoot Sims and Stan Getz, Dom’s sax is sure to please. Please head to the website for tickets and more information www.narberthjazz.wales/events

Where you can also order advance tickets for  our fabulous GARDEN PARTY on the 21st July. Once again we will have the beautiful garden of Lampeter House at our disposal for this great event thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Williams. There will be food and drinks available, but you are welcome to bring your own if you wish. The music will be supplied by 6 piece swing band No Mean Biscuit and a special performance from American saxophonist Peter Fraize playing with ATLANTICUS.

Jazz Across the Pond could refer to the garden venue which we enjoy, but here it refers to the band ATLANTICUS who are a unique British-American musical partnership bringing together two powerfully distinct musical personalities, US saxophonist Peter Fraize and UK organist Terry Seabrook, to explore their common interest in the rich transatlantic heritage of jazz.

The music is mostly original, spanning a stylistic spectrum from the hard bop blowout of  ‘Blue Haven’, the modal explorations of ‘That’s What’, the boogaloo of ‘Swank’, and the Afro-Cuban reimagining of the Bobby Timmons classic ‘Moanin’’.

I do hope you can come to this special event on 21st July and I have attached a poster which I hope you will print and display to reach a wide audience. Thank you.

If you would like to help on the day please call our jazz line 07778 563334. You may have to leave a message.

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We are making plans for the Autumn now which include a special family show at Narberth Primary School about the classic female singers called

Time travelling with the jazz queens              

Tenby Jazz brunches are back at the Imperial Hotel in July https://tenbyjazz.co.uk/

Aberjazz have information on their festival here https://www.aberjazz.com/

The BBC covered Cheltenham Jazz Fest you can relive some acts here https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001770q/jazz-all-stars-cheltenham-jazz-at-25

Our Facebook page needs people to like it, please do take a look and leave anything you would like to tell us.

Meanwhile I look forward to seeing you at a gig soon

Declan and the NJ team

May 2022 News Letter

Your May News Letter.

Spring greetings to all music lovers.

Welcome to those who have recently joined Narberth Jazz. Thank you, your £15 will be used to bring more Music to more people who enjoy the music that we love.

We are having a push on the ‘Jazz In The Afternoon’ sessions at The Dingle with printed fliers which we intend to deliver to local houses in central Narberth.

This is what they look like.

We hope that if you know anyone who would enjoy a social afternoon with fellow music lovers, you would call in for a while on one of these dates. Bring some music if you like, and we can play it and start a discussion.

Better than election stuff!

We try and get our news out to everyone via the social media and we would welcome your views on our Facebook page   www.facebook.com/narberthjazz

You can also find us on Twitter and Instagram.

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Aberjazz had a concert recently at Rhosygilwen featuring saxophonist Trish Clewes but I missed it. If you attended we would love to know if you enjoyed it. The tickets for the Festival are now on sale here   https://www.aberjazz.com/en/html/Tickets.html

Our member Martyn Oughton’s latest show for Pure West Radio is really worth a listen, and you can catch up here   https://player.autopod.xyz/164958?fbclid=IwAR1x_HunwM7GhiVeKl7WirPaRoPpGI8MwYKOtbf5rF8WL2EkznxwuDaIOzI

Long link address!

BBC Radio 2 has been celebrating Jazz with shows from The Cheltenham Jazz Festival and celebrity playlists   https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m000vzr5

Our live event this month is a nostalgic delve into the music of piano masters like Earl Hines and Fats Waller with stride pianist and veteran bandleader Keith Little. His trio features Wales busiest trumpeter Gethin Liddington, a superb player who also leads his own swing band. With just the bass and trumpet dueting the the bass keeping the pulse can be mesmerising. (Think louis and Earl on Weatherbird). Here is a taste of our trio at Cafe Jazz.   https://youtu.be/5I99s8AmnHk

On June 16th local hero Dominic Norcross brings his Quartet featuring the funky organist John Paul Gard and singer Elaina Hoss. It was a year ago, this band did an online concert at The Queens Hall  for us, which is still available on Youtube    https://youtu.be/KMo02LUVWow

Our Garden Party will return on July 21st at Lampeter House by kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. Williams with 2 exciting bands and an American star. Volunteers will be needed for stewarding, so to offer your time for this day, please call on our exclusive number 07778 563334.

Thank you for your contributions large and small, together we can enrich the musical offering locally.

Tickets and information on all activities click at   www.narberthjazz.wales

Declan and the team

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