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 our latest events.
So what next and who do we have?
Well some brilliant material from Khamira on the 16th October. They are a returning group who played for us at th Plas Hotel before. They comprise an interesting amalgamation of Western and Indian music. This should be a stimulating and interesting event.
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
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
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.