Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Latest news from the team at Brecon Jazz Club -  Please bookmark the date: Tues 7 November at Christ College Brecon, Neuadd Theatr, for Lenore Raphael US jazz pianist and her top quartet. Note the venue and also start time of 7.30 pm (a bit earlier than usual, and will have earlier finish). For this event, member price is £10 (£12 visitors/young people £5). More info and ticket booking: https://www.breconjazz.club [use your membership no. to book] This is a very special event. Lenore Raphael is someone we've known many years and heard play in London, but how could we invite her to Brecon? With help from trumpeter Chris Hodgkins and staff at Christ College Brecon, we proudly present this standout concert. And what an all-star line-up, too! Lenore is bringing a leading US guitarist Wayne Wilkinson, and Chris has invited wonderful bassist Alison Rayner to complete the quartet. Between them, they have played with some of the biggest names in the jazz world. This will be ...

Latest news from Lynne Gornall and the team at Brecon Jazz Club - Hello clubbers, Everything you need for a great Tuesday 15 November.... Jazz tickets: book tickets direct on - https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/boxoffice/select/MEUPvpMVFdUN The website is www.breconjazz.club/wp/tickets - click ticket sales tab Food: Jazz Supper £8 per person, 6.30pm Ty Helyg Guesthouse Menu Tuna Pasta Bake with new potatoes, salad & bread Rhubarb crumble & custard Juice For veggies, Mixed Vege pasta bake & accompaniments (Give number of people and any veggies when booking please) Reply this email to book (we always acknowledge, so check) Music: Jim Barber (piano), Donnie Sweeney, Ian Poole (Trio), guest Martha Skilton (saxes) See you all there! Thanks to all our supporters as well as poster and listings places. Lynne & co All at Brecon Jazz Club & Muse Arts www.breconjazzclub.org

Latest news from Lynne Gornall and the team at Brecon Jazz Club - Summary: events on 11th and 12th Nov, see below, our jazz club on 15th Nov and a unique concert 'down south' (Taff's Well!) on Thurs 17 November.  We ask you to bookmark a rather special gig taking place on Sat 3 Dec....as well as regular jazz club on Tues 20 Dec. Read on... BRECON JAZZ CLUB - TUES 15 NOVEMBER, 8pm Jim Barber Trio with Martha Skilton sax The Muse, Brecon LD3 7DW - £10 (£8 members) A really swinging evening in store, with a classic piano jazz trio and added extra from Martha Skilton on tenor sax. JAZZ CLUB DECEMBER - 2 dates, both specials!! Jazz Club Extra! Saturday 3 December, 8pm, £10/£8 (members) Jazz All Stars of Brecon Benefit Gig: piano, trumpet, vocals, bass, drums - all star jazz lineup Special event organised by its members as a fundraiser for Brecon Jazz Club - hooray...! Venue: Northcote Conservative Club, High Street, Brecon. Regular jazz club ! Tuesday 20 December, 8pm £10/£8 ...

Latest news from the team at Brecon Jazz Club supplied by Lynne Gornall - Hello everyone SPECIAL GUESTS ! Tuesday 11 October 8pm Brecon Jazz Club (8pm start / £8 club members) @ The MUSE Arts Centre Here is the news.... as well as having two of the 'Amigos' (guitar, bass) and a special visitor Jean Guyomarc'h (guitar) from France, we will also have a very special guest. International musician/composer Huw Warren will be joining us for the evening, on accordion, to give that very special 'club' atmosphere. Not to be missed. Full lineup below. Many of you have already booked tickets, we are delighted to welcome you on the door, but please consider pre-booking at http://breconjazz.club/wp/tickets FOOD / SUPPER £8 at Ty Helyg from 6.30 pm please book places and say if you are veggie or gluten free (etc). MENU: >beef bolognaise dish with jacket potato, salad and bread. With veggie mince for veggies - please advise. Orange juice. Followed by Eves Pudding and custard ...

Latest news from the Brecon Jazz Club team, supplied by Lynne Gornall -  Hi there - lots of jazz news to report ! For fans of Remi Harris - Cafe Jazz Cardiff - next Sunday (10 July) - our monthly Hot Club Swing event: Remi Harris & Caley Groves (guitars), Ashley-john Long (bass). Starts 6.30-9pm £5. Next Jazz Club - Theatr Jazz Bar Brecon, Tuesday 19 July Philip Clouts (piano) Welsh Quartet, with Tamasin Reardon (alto sax), 8pm, £7. Supper at T&T, 6.30 £10. More details below. And Brecon Jazz 2016 is live! tickets available online now /email here if you have any queries www.breconjazz.com We've been working in co-operation with other local partners, principally Theatr/FOBJ and Cathedral/Wayne Warlow and also with partner venues Guildhall, Castle Hotel & the Muse. Not all of the events, concerts or programmes are up yet, but it pretty much represents what the jazz club is doing. We gratefully acknowledge Arts Council Wales / National Lottery / Welsh Government & P...

Latest news from Lynne Gornall and the team at Brecon Jazz Club -  Our April jazz event is a week Tuesday (don't turn up this week!), see details below. Also, we are booking for the Tipple & Tiffin bistro supper, menu as below. TUESDAY 19 APRIL, 8pm, Brecon Dave Jones (piano) Trio - Ashley-john Long (double bass), Kevin Lawlor (drums) and special guest Remi Harris (guitar) Brecon Jazz Club, 'Brecon Jazz' First Floor Bar, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon LD3 7EW “This new trio 'Brilliant Corners', named after one of the many great tunes by Thelonious Monk, was recently formed for a series of gigs in Wales and Ireland. Pianist/Composer Dave Jones, after many years of 'quoting' musically from Thelonious Monk, thought it was high time he played some of them in their entirety! He is joined by virtuoso bassist and composer Ashley-john Long, and (on a first visit to Brecon jazz club), leading Irish drummer/composer Kevin Lawlor, in a celebration of Monk’s music. Th...

Latest news from the team at Brecon Jazz Club -  Jazz FEB - Juan Galiardo Trio: Tues 23 Feb / T and T and Wellington. Well, you turned out in spectacular fashion to support our new year / January club event - thank you. There is a great feature on this fyi, see link at end. Now we must look to 23rd February, and our visiting Spanish jazz pianist, Juan Galiardo. Let us give him a warm welcome, because the weather may not be, and he's leaving a sunny homeland for his February visit to Wales! Juan sends greetings and he is very much looking forward to playing at the Club - more details below. Supper will be at the T and T from 6.30. We've also got some new initiatives to announce - info about the Jazz Club in the Brecon and Radnor newspaper, on the theme of 'jazz all year round' and keeping interest alive in jazz in Brecon throughout the year - thanks to the new Brecon and Radnor Express editor. Related to this, the Wellington Hotel has also approached us about r...

Latest news from the team at Brecon Jazz Club -  Tuesday 12 January - American Swing with Donnie Joe Sweeney (Quintet) Infectious Rhythms, Swinging Jazz, Witty Tunes, and Poignant Songs … for the best in Swing and 'big band' arrangements from the 1930s, 40s, 50s, & 60s for a small band! 6.30 pre-gig supper -£8 for two courses at the Tipple & Tiffin - please reply this email to book and name your choices per person please! 8pm music starts (first floor 'Brecon Jazz' Bar) £7 on the door incl raffle - see you there FOOD CHOICES CHICKEN - Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Herby Taboulleh BEEF (gluten free) - The cottage pie is made from beef mince, has a creamy potato topping VEGGIE - Chestnut,Spinach & Blue Cheese wrapped in pastry served with a creamy leek sauceIf you are vegan or have other request, please ask plus either of - POSSETT - Lemon Posset CRUMBLE - Mixed Fruit Crumble MUSICAL MENU! Heulwen Thomas - Jazz violin Gareth Hall - Piano As...

Latest news from the 'Jazz in the Bar' team at Brecon -  Hope you had a great summer, including of course, selections from last month's Brecon Jazz Festival or the 'Major Swing' events! The club had three outstanding concerts and rave reviews, we're really pleased about these, and thank you lovely audience for supporting these, including also a recent concert in Ebbw Vale at the Beaufort theatre. Quotes from the reviews are below. We are also collecting feedback, so if you have any thoughts, please send them in (and thank you for those who've emailed already). Our concerts were: (1) Major Swing (from France) with Remi Harris and Ashley Long, (2) Martin Taylor (solo), (3) Deirdre Cartwright with Alison Rayner, Will Barnes, Tom Ollendorff and Greg Evans. September's jazz club is Tuesday 15 September, 8pm, the Mañana Collective - Latin rhythms (poster has details). Supper will be 6.30 at the Clarence Pub. RSVP. We'll pre-select from their m...

You can let your hair down and not worry about driving home at Jazz@Llandeilo. Late bus tickets are available Saturday and Sunday nights, 20 minutes after each closing act, so approx. 12.20 on Saturday and 10.20 on Sunday. The buses will depart from Llandeilo Car Park towards – Llandovery via Llangadog – Carmarthen (A40) – Ammanford. You can get your tickets at £3.50 per person. Details on the website – http://www.jazzatllandeilo.co.uk/4490/bus-tickets-available-2/

With just a few hours remaining before the deadline for tickets, the Jazz at Llandeilo festival is on course to be a complete sell-out. “Demand for tickets has been massive,” said Festival Organiser Simon Buckley. “What’s been amazing is the demand for tickets from all over the UK – and we’ve also had ticket applications from abroad. “This is the fourth year for Jazz at Llandeilo and the event is now a firm fixture on the musical calendar. “2015 is set to be bigger and, better and with more than 30 bands on three stages, there will be music for everyone. “Based on a line up of Jazz, Blues, and local bands, Jazz at Llandeilo is now fast becoming one of the top West Wales summer music festivals. “The world famous Andy Fairweather Low and The Low Riders (pictured above) are the headline act this year. Andy has only just returned back home to Wales after concerts with Eric Clapton at Madison Square Garden in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London. “Last weekend, he did an acous...

There’s an inspired line-up of bands and acts for the Jazz@Llandeilo 2015 weekend on July 3-5. Guaranteed to be a major hit at the festival are the wonderfully-named Fasta Benj, pictured above. Fasta Benj had only just formed when they were showcased at the festival two years ago. Since then, they’ve gone on to be described as “Quite simply, the best Gypsy Circus Ska Band around today.” Sadly, seven band members will be heading for new pastures shortly, so the Jazz@Llandeilo gig will be their last for a while. So, there’s an extra special reason not to miss them! The accurate description of the band bills them as a seven piece balkman surf-punk band from South Wales. They play music to make you stamp your feet and shake your bottom. One thing is for sure – it’s going to be a great Saturday Night Party at The White Horse in Llandeilo. Other acts on the line-up include - The Dukes and the Duchess Inspired by some of the most classic jazz melodies and arrangements of all time, this ta...

One of the busiest men during the Jazz@Llandeilo festival will be the event’s musical director David Brockwell. “It’s always a wonderful challenge putting together an event like this and I am sure that fans of great music will have a ball,” said David. “I’ve been working alongside the team at Evan Evans Brewery on Jazz@Llandeilo since the event started. “This is Year No 4 and we have made great strides since the first festival. “The aim is always to provide something for everyone – something to suit different musical tastes, something for young and old. “This year, we have a magical line-up led by the wonderful Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Riders. “They are one of the busiest touring bands in the country, performing up and down the land, week in, week out. They are also in huge demand internationally and we are very lucky to secure their slot for Sunday night.” David added: “As always we try to showcase new and up and coming talent during the festival and we will be doing our ve...

Andy Fairweather Low, one of the UK’s best-known guitarists, will be headlining Jazz@Llandeilo 2015. Fairweather Low will arrive at the fourth annual jazz festival in Llandeilo (July3-5) hot on the heels of landmark concerts with Eric Clapton at the Royal Albert Hall, London. The festival, centred around the Evan-Evans brewery ‘tap’ pub, The White Horse Inn, continues to grow every year. This year, the festival will boast three different stages and more than 30 different acts. “It is now a fixture on the jazz music festival calendar for the UK and is hugely popular with festival-goers and musicians,” said James Buckley of the Evan-Evans brewery. “It is a wonderful showpiece occasion to put Llandeilo on the map. Andy Fairweather Low is regarded as music royalty – an international artist with a wonderful reputation. He is the headline act, but there will also be a lot more quality entertainment during an action-packed weekend.” Fairweather Low has established a reputation as a peerless...

Latest news from the team at Brecon Jazz Club - If you would like to see a review of the May gig, here is the link: http://www.thejazzmann.com/reviews/review/emily-saunders-w.-the-dave-cottle-trio-at-brecon-jazz-club-bar-theatr-brych/ Below, please see info about Brecon Jazz Club's June event*. For our pre-gig dining, this month we will be at the Theatr's Tipple & Tiffin bistro from 6.30pm and at £8 per person. Bookings by reply email. Menu details in next mailout. Brecon Jazz Club Tuesday 16 June, 8pm Entry £7 on the door (includes raffle) Gareth Roberts with the Dave Jones Trio Swing style, engaging, inventive and great fun, Gareth and Dave are two of the leading musicians on the Welsh scene today - gifted, accessible, musical communicators. Line-up - Gareth Roberts - trombone Dave Jones - piano Donnie Sweeney - double bass Greg Evans - drums Venue: First floor 'Brecon Jazz Bar' Theatr Brycheiniog Brecon LD3 7EW Tel 01874 611622

Latest news from the team at Brecon Jazz Club -  Things are warming up and we've got a great gig for you in May (Tues 19 May), see below. But first, a big 'thank you' for tremendous support at last month's event. We had a review, and it not only praised the artists and the club but gave recognition to our great audience too, and name-checked a few in attendance! See www.jazzman.com http://www.thejazzmann.com/reviews/review/atsuko-shimada-quintet-brecon-jazz-club-the-theatre-bar-theatr-brycheiniog-/ MAY JAZZ Tuesday 19 May, starts 8pm, tickets £7 on the door (inc. raffle) Brecon Jazz Club: Emily Saunders with Dave Cottle Trio Emily Saunders (voice) Dave Cottle (piano) Alun Vaughan (bass guitar) Paul Smith (drums) Venue: Brecon Jazz Bar, Theatr Brycheiniog, Canalside, Brecon, Powys LD3 7EW. Box 01874 611622 NB SUPPER: BIJOU CAFE, £8 per head, from 6.30pm. Please book by reply email & advise choice- thanks. People who booked places previously, well done, your...

He’s known as the ‘Guitarist to the Stars’. Andy Fairweather Low is one of the UK’s best-known guitarists – and he’s coming to Jazz@Llandeilo 2015. Fairweather Low is the first big name on the bill for the fourth annual jazz festival in Llandeilo (July3-5). The festival, centred around the Evan-Evans brewery ‘tap’ pub, The White Horse Inn, continues to grow every year. “It is now a fixture on the jazz music festival calendar for the UK and is hugely popular with festival-goers and musicians,” said James Buckley, of the Evan-Evans brewery. Fairweather Low has established a reputation as a peerless musician both at home and abroad, having worked with some of legendary figures in the music industry, including The Who and Eric Clapton. He has a truly unique voice and a reputation as a master-craftsman on guitar. Born in Ystrad Mynach, he originally came to fame as vocalist and leader of the pop group Amen Corner. They had four successive Top 10 hits in the Uk singles chart, inc...

Latest news from the Brecon Jazz Club team -  Spring is coming and we've had some great jazz already this year! April's Jazz Club is a real 'special' and this month, the supper will be at the theatr bistro, the Tipple n Tiffin. More information below: Brecon Jazz Club @ Theatr Brycheiniog, Canalside, Brecon LD3 7EW. Box 01874 611622 Tuesday 14 April, Atsuko Shimada Quintet, starts 8pm, £7 on the door incl. raffle Mainstream jazz standards, ballads, swing, uptempo and reflective numbers from a fantastic Quintet ensemble. Lineup: Atsuko Shimada (keyboard) Tom Ollendorff (guitar) Greg Sterland (alto/tenor sax) Erika Lyons (double bass) Phill O'Sullivan (drums) Atsuko Shimada is a graduate of the famous Berklee School of Jazz, Boston and influenced by Duke Ellington, Art Blakey, Joanne Brackeen, Lee Morgan and Juan Galiardo amongst others. She has played concerts in Spain, Japan and the United States, and is now resident in Andalucia, where she teaches music and p...

The Brecon Jazz 2015 programme (August 7-9) boasts the most international line-up in the event’s 31-year history, with tickets on sale now through www.breconjazz.com Big name American headliners, exclusive performances, intriguing crossovers and global artists from Scandinavia through Romania, Brittany and Catalonia to Brazil that reflect jazz music’s global reach, are all prominent features of this summer’s event in the beauty of the Brecon Beacons. New for 2015 is an additional venue, Brecon Elim Church, with a 200 capacity and a pedigree in staging concerts of its own, where the Western Power Kid Zone will engage local children in making music. Plus there will be a Brecon Jam late night opportunity for musicians to unwind and show off their improv skills. Headline Acts The Market Hall is the venue on Saturday August 8 for the iconic Dr. John, who brings to Wales his critically acclaimed Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch show - a tribute to New Orleans music legend Louis Armstro...

Latest news from Brecon Jazz Club - Please make a diary marker for the jazz club evening in February - Tues 24 February - GARDENIA SWING with HEINZ HUNT Special guest Heinz Hunt on saxes, Ruth Bowen on double bass and vocals with guitarist Alan Johnson and Richard Bowen on drums. Starts 8pm, £6 on the door @ Brecon Jazz Bar, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon LD3 7EW Box office contact (daytime) 01874 611622 Pre gig supper - continuing our gastronomic tour of Brecon, in Feb, we will be hosted for our buffet at the Clarence Inn, £8 per person from 6.15pm on. Menu: veggie sausages or cold meats or salmon, with salads, half jacket, glass juice & a slice of cake - sounds good! See you there, thanks for your support to this volunteer team of organisers & promoters for Brecon Jazz Club! Lynne Gornall lynne@phonecoop.coop