LOCAL group Llandjango treated the Narberth Jazz audience on August 20 to a sparkling reinvention of traditional gypsy jazz at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth.

Llandjango breathes fresh energy into the timeless gypsy jazz tradition made famous by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, combining virtuoso musicianship with the warmth and spontaneity that made the Hot Club de France sound so irresistible.

The Cardigan-based band creates music that moves effortlessly between elegant swing, lyrical melodies, and driving, foot-stomping rhythms. It conjures up the kind of atmosphere that draws an audience in from the very first tune.

Gordon Barry describes their music as “full of colour, movement, and close musical conversation, where every solo has space to sparkle and every rhythm keeps the room alive.”

“You may think you have heard this music before,” he continues, “but listen again and you soon realise that Llandjango are doing far more than recreating a familiar style.

Led by Narberth’s own Robbie Goodwin, the group takes the spirit of Reinhardt, Grappelli, and the legendary Hot Club de Paris as its starting point, then broadens the sound with ideas drawn from Charlie Parker and the bebop revolution.

Barry adds: “The result is a repertoire that respects the swing and charm of classic gypsy jazz while adding sharper twists, richer harmonies, and a lively sense of invention. It is this combination of tradition and surprise that gives Llandjango their distinctive voice and makes their live performances so exciting.”

Llandjango at The Plas
(Narberth Jazz)

The next Narberth Jazz event, ‘7 Steps’ on Thursday, September 17 will breath new life into the music of Miles Davis with the Tomos Williams Quintet, live at the Plas Hotel, Narberth.

Doors open at 7.30 for a 8pm start and 10.30pm close. Visit narberthjazz.wales/events, call 07551 793388 or tickets can be purchased on the night.