This month sees the return of jazz pianist Juan Galiardo to Wales, where he will play a series of dates in Bristol and South Wales, organised by Brecon Jazz Club. Appearing as part of the Jazz Club’s programme on Tuesday, February 23 at 8pm in Theatr Brycheiniog first floor bar, this will be Juan’s fourth visit, in our series of ‘España-Cymru’ themed events.

Born in Seville, Juan graduated from Cadiz University and then gained a scholarship to study at the famous Berklee College of Music in Boston.

He met his wife there, the jazz pianist Atsuko Shimada, and was mentored by US jazz stars such as Barry Harris, Danilo Pérez, Joe Lovano, Joanne Brackeen and Edward Tomassi. Juan also got to perform with some top American names, including saxophonists Donny McCaslin and Jerry Bergonzi, with whom he later went on to tour and record. But it was as part of the Arturo Serra Quartet (where he is their pianist) that audiences in Wales first heard Juan play.

Indeed, many B&R readers may remember the concert of the Arturo Serra Quartet in the Guildhall, in the 2013 Brecon Jazz Festival. This was their very first visit to Wales, and they were dazzling in their music but a little shy about speaking English to a large audience. This was quickly overcome in one of those wonderful spontaneous moments, when, just as they were about to play, the Guildhall clock chimed (6 o’clock, I think)!

With barely a pause, Arturo took up the moment and hit the keys on the vibes in the exact notes, echoing the tones of the town clock.

It was a moment of connection and mutual comprehension through sound and humour - without words - and the whole theatre erupted with laughter and applause.

We hope to have some fun and great music on this visit too! Juan will be appearing with his own ‘Welsh’ trio for the jazz club’s February 23 date, as we have invited two of the most exciting and accomplished young graduates of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (Jazz Performance degree) to join him for the tour. They are the already very experienced and notable Pete Komor on double bass and Rod Oughton on drums, in a continuation of ‘España-Cymru’, which earned Arts Council Wales support for the Jazz Club and original concerts. Already there is interest in the tour, and we have been approached for interviews with Juan when he is here in Wales.

At home in Andalucia, Juan and Atsuko reside in the town of San Roque near Gibraltar. In fact, he will be flying from the airport on ‘The Rock’ to the UK. The quartet who played that original concert in August found our summer weather rather chilly, so we have tactfully reminded Juan that February is not our warmest month here either, and to expect a climate a little different from that of southern Spain.

Ever the diplomat, he did remark on how green everywhere was on a visit to schools and jazz clubs in May 2014. It was green. It was also very wet, torrentially so.

There’s a connection there somewhere! Fortunately, it didn’t affect his playing, which attracted extremely favourable reviews: “Galiardo coaxed consistently inventive, adventurous and frequently feverish solos… I was highly impressed with his playing... an often dazzling pianist” (Ian Mann, www.thejazzmann.com). Atsuko played her own date at Brecon Jazz Club too last year (the Atsuko Shimada Quintet), with a stellar local lineup, as well as playing a co-promoted slot at the Porthcawl Jazz Festival. So Juan has a bit to live up to, but we have no fears there!

As a musician, Juan Galiardo is a superb jazz artist in the mainstream genre - he is a lyrical player who loves the jazz ‘standards’. And, as musical lineups seems to get bigger, there is something really timeless and relaxing about listening to a classic jazz trio, piano-led, by a talented musician with a subtle touch - and a rhythm section that really swings.

Juan also feels a real connection with Wales, so we hope that readers as well as jazz club regulars will come along to hear him and meet him.

A warm, friendly welcome is guaranteed!

We have a jazz supper and social get-together at the Theatr’s bistro, the Tipple & Tiffin from 6.30pm, and then the Trio play from 8pm. Come along next Tuesday and give it a try. Admission is £7 on the door. To enquire or book for the pre-jazz supper, please email : [email protected]