If the truth be known, when asked the question, most people would be very reluctant to admit that they actually like jazz. Then, you suddenly discover as you have been driving down a motorway on a dark wet night and having accidentally tuned into some obscure radio channel, the music that had enthralled you and had you tapping your steering wheel for half-an-hour turns out to be jazz. That is a jazz moment that creeps up on us all eventually. Likewise, I would defy anyone who heard the fantastic three hour portion of jazz served up by The Tone Valley Jazz Band at the latest Fourcroft Jazz brunch to say they don't like jazz. If they didn't when they entered the building they most certainly did when they left. They obviously had something very right they were even asked for their autographs by one of the regulars who really knows her music. On their fourth visit to the Fourcroft, the West Country based band, with a sprinkling of Pembrokshire added for good measure, unbelievably in existence since 1959, captivated their audience from start to finish (and an encore). They may have had the grey of autumn in their hair, but they certainly had the enthusiasm of spring chickens in their music. They went about their business of serving up a jazz feast to an audience hungry to hear them. Regular attenders at the Jazz Brunches have learned to judge the quality of the performance by the background chatting of the diners as they listen to the music. On this occasion, there was almost total silence other than rapturous applause throughout the entire performance. Fronted by Denny Blackmore on trumpet, Clive Johnston on sax and clarinet, Dave Stratford on bass guitar, Keith Hall on guitar and the very welcome addition of banjo and ably supported by the 'local boy' Tudor Thomas on trombone. The music was free-flowing and varied ranging from good old fashioned toe-tappers to haunting melodies and even audience participation via sing- alongs. Their repertoire included My Little Bimbo, Nobodys Sweetheart Now, Peoria, I can't give you anything but love baby, and a haunting banjo led jazz version of the folk classic Maggie, and lots lots more besides. Not one bad number amongst them. Not one glance made to any music sheets for guidance. This was great music played by experienced musicians who could do it blindfolded if they chose to. Lucky for us, they kept their eyes wide open. The cheeky twinkle in their eyes heightening the performance. The Tone Valley Jazz Band are everything a good jazz band should be. No prima donnas they rib each other too much to allow any big egos, no particularly outstanding musician, they are all good, but just light the fuse by putting them together and they go off with a bang. Together, they bring out the very best in each other to the delight of their audience. They feed well off each other and their constant banter is both amusing and entertaining. You just know that as a group they enjoy each others company in the bar as they do on stage and no doubt they are just as entertaining. Once again the good folk at the Fourcroft have served up another memorable 'live' music session right here in the heart of Tenby. Long may they continue to do so.

Allan Morris