THE Eddie Gripper Trio brought road-trip reflections to Narberth at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel last Thursday, June 18.

Narberth Jazz welcomed the trio back for an evening that combined thoughtful original writing with the easy assurance of three musicians clearly at home in one another’s company.

The programme centred on music from Gripper’s second album, Americana, released in April 2026 and inspired by his 8,000 km hitchhiking journey from Alaska to California in the summer of 2022. That sense of travel gave the evening its shape, with the music suggesting wide landscapes, passing encounters and moments of quiet reflection.

Six pieces from Americana were woven through the set, alongside standards associated with Ray Brown, Clifford Brown, Paul Simon and Charlie Parker. The balance worked well, giving the audience a clear sense of Gripper’s own musical voice while placing it in conversation with familiar material.

Gripper’s lyrical compositions proved full of delightful and unexpected nuances, and the audience responded warmly to their understated detail. On double bass, Clem Saynor brought depth and poise, while Patrick Barrett-Donlon’s drumming added colour and momentum without overwhelming the music.

Together, the trio produced a performance of relaxed interplay and quiet confidence, moving easily between original pieces and jazz repertoire. It was a rewarding return of Eddie Gripper to Narberth Jazz, and a reminder of the strength of live music in the town’s cultural calendar.

Narberth Jazz’s next event is their sixth Garden Party at Lampeter House on Sunday, July 19. For tickets, see https://narberthjazz.wales .