The latest Jazz Brunch session at the Fourcroft saw the welcome return of some of the most popular performers to grace the Ossie Morgan restaurant floor in the form of Claudia and the Jazzmasters.

Fronted by the superb voice of the charismatic Claudia Gunners, with Wayne Warlow on double bass, Tony Amaval on piano, Paul Smith on drums and a long overdue return performance by Jazz Brunch favourite Garry Phillips on guitar, the 'Brunchers' were expecting something special.

What they got certainly didn't disappoint. It was a masterclass in enjoyable, relaxing and very memorable music.

It it a huge testament to the talent of the 'Jazzmasters' that they seem to blend into the background as Claudia takes the lead. They seem to have an almost telepathic understanding of what is coming next. A simple nod from Claudia launches each of them into a solo in turn. Wayne Warlow of course with his customary smile making a difficult job of carrying the rhythm look easy. Paul Smith and Tony Amaval also gave very competent performances as comfortable in the limelight as in the background. This is a fantastic team to have behind you.

As for Garry Phillips, it was a treat as always to see him back. This was his first performance for a while due to illness and it was as if he had never been away.

Background or solo, Garry's experience and influence was clear. This is one very talented guitarist that we cant see or hear enough of. Hopefully, this is the first of many more return performances and we look forward to hearing him singing again soon. (Garry has asked me to say a big thank you to everyone for their good wishes and messages of support during his illness).

Claudia is one of the most laid back artistes around. She tackles all her numbers with consummate ease. As she performs, her body picks up the beat and moves in time as her arms gently sway to the rhythm. Enchanting and entrancing, so obviously enjoying what she does so well. Her style and unique voice as always, made the three hour session seem to pass by in minutes.

Claudia set the bar incredibly high from the beginning by starting with an excellent version of the haunting Leonard Cohen number 'Dance me to the end of love'.

From there, things just got even better, in total she performed more than 20 numbers, stamping her own style on each and every one in turn.

Incredibly, Claudia also sang in five different languages proving beyond doubt how a well-performed song does not need any translation when the quality of the performer speaks for herself. Claudia sang in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. But it was a balled sang in her native Icelandic tongue that had the biggest impact.

The Jazz Brunches are a very relaxed affair. It is not uncommon for some people to have a conversation across their tables as the musicians do their thing. When Claudia sang in Icelandic, the audience all sat in stunned silence. It was absolutely beautiful. Well it was until Claudia made them laugh by saying if you knew the words you wouldn't have liked it so much. On the form she was in, Claudia could have sang Swing Low Sweet Chariot at the rugby club on an England v Wales International day and still got a standing ovation.

Each and every one of the twenty plus songs were superbly delivered. Many of the numbers, including Windmills of your mind, Summertime, The Falling Leaves, Its Impossible, Moondance, Love for sale, have all been regularly performed by many others at the same venue. It is a testament to the quality of artistes the Fourcroft Jazz Brunch attracts that these wonderful songs always sound so different. It has to be said no one does them better than Claudia.

It is a few years since I last saw Claudia perform a full session at the Fourcroft. On that occasion, I was absolutely blown away by her version of Over the Rainbow.

She chose to end this performance with an up tempo version of the same song. I and the audience were once again, simply blown away.

It still amazes me that millions of people tune in to programmes like the X-Factor and Britain's Got Talent where sometimes very mediocre talent is often portrayed as potential superstars of the future. Right here in Tenby is a singer with a unique style and talent that truly deserves a national stage. There are many others in the immediate vicinity. These genuinely talented groups and individuals perform in front of small audiences because they enjoy it. Once again, many thanks to Chris, Cath and the Fourcroft team for keeping music live. Tenby is a far better place for it.

Allan Morris