The Transatlantic Hot Club launched their UK and European tour with an engaging performance at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel, in collaboration with Narberth Jazz, on Thursday, April 16.

Founded on the sun-soaked French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, The Transatlantic Hot Club is now based between New York, Cardiff, and France. Two of the musicians performing on the tour hail from Cardiff, namely harpist Ben Creighton Griffiths and bass player Ashley John Long. They joined Adrien Chevalier - from New York - on violin and vocals, and Jeremy Lohier - from Corsica – on accordion/vocals) to treat the Narberth audience to a captivating set featuring classic renditions of ‘le jazz hot’.

Renowned for their exhilarating fusion of gypsy jazz and swing, the group has delighted audiences across the globe. Their distinctive sound draws inspiration from the legendary Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, and this is uniquely interpreted on harp and violin—a combination rarely found in this genre anywhere else in the world. Alongside their core selection of swing jazz, The Transatlantic Hot Club’s repertoire also encompasses Latin jazz, French chanson, and traditional European folk music.

The audience at the Plas were not only treated to compositions by Django Reinhardt but numbers by illustrious masters including Kern, Berlin, Waren, Garner. Plus the interpretations of Olivieri, Bonfa, Lagrene ending the final set with La Vie en Rose.

Narberth Jazz’s Gordon Barry described the performance as “wonderful stuff!”, noting how the audience gave the Hot Club a rapturous reception, recognising both their skills as musicians and their joie de vivre performance.

On Thursday, May 21, Narberth Jazz welcomes Ms Maggie and The Cat’s Pyjamas, serving up a heady melting pot of 1920-30s speakeasy jazz, blues and swing with a New Orleans vibe. Purchase tickets from www.narberthjazz.wales or ‘at the door’ in the Plas Hotel.