The outstanding Tim Kliphuis Trio is set to wow Narberth with a scintillating set of Gypsy jazz gems, Welsh folk, the odd classical theme and some real surprises on Friday.

The group’s energy, instrumental mastery and telepathic interplay have received glowing reviews over the world.

Take Stéphane Grappelli’s Hot Gypsy Swing, add Welsh Celtic traditionals (Myfanwy, Daffyd y Garreg Wen), the odd Stevie Wonder hit and Classical themes of Bach, Grieg and List and you have something that’s totally new but appeals to everyone.

Hailing from the Netherlands, Kilphuis (pronounced Clip House) was accepted as a classical violinist to the Conservatoire of Amsterdam and trained later as a Jazz violinist. As a young musician he cut his teeth in the fiery Manouche bands playing Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, and encouraged by Grappelli to continue his career, is nowadays likelier to be heard duelling with Richard Galliano, Frankie Gavin or Charlie McKerron.

This year has been busy. Tim recorded with the Rosenberg Trio and headlined at Samois-sur-Seine, the seminal Django Reinhardt Festival in France, premiered his new Trio cd at the main venue of Edinburgh Jazz Festival as well as launching a Mel Bay book and DVDs on how to play his style. Next year he can be heard with accordeonist Richard Galliano and a project with top Irish fiddler Frankie Gavin is in the making. Fellow member of the trio, Gary Philips, Jazz guitarist, has opened for the legendary Tom Jones and Jose Carreras. He is Wales’ best known jazz and world guitarist and is known for his performances with The Amigos and Blues Bunch.

Final member, swinging bassist George Trebar, has toured with French gypsy guitarists Moneri and Matcho Winterstein and appeared with the Bright Stars of Jazz and Ian Carr, at festivals all over Europe.

Tickets for the Tim Kilphuis Trio are £10, or £8 for concessions and Span Arts members. Call 01834 869323 or visit www.span-arts.org.uk to book.

  • The first ten people to sign up to become a member of Span Arts from now until this Friday will be given a pair of free tickets. Email gwen@span-arts.org.uk for details.