Ben Creighton Griffiths
Benjamin Creighton Griffiths is an Internationally touring jazz and classical harpist based in Wales. He made his International debut at the 2004 1er Concours International de Harpe in Nantes, France where, aged 7, he came second in the Under 18 division. In 2006 he won the Under 13 Division of the Wales International Harp Festival before going on to win the 2008 Junior Lily Laskine competition in Paris, winning a concert harp in the process.
Originally classically trained with Catrin Finch, Elinor Bennett, and Ann Griffiths, he now specialises in jazz both as a soloist and with his bands – the Transatlantic Hot Club and Chube. His career has taken him across the world including to America, Canada, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, India, Brazil, and across Europe and has seen him collaborate with excellent musicians in both the classical and jazz world including Dennis Rollins MBE (jazz trombone), Tatiana Eva-Marie (vocals), Adrien Chevalier (jazz violin), and Catrin Finch (harp).
As well as a performer he is a composer, most recently developing a concert schedule for his own Concerto for Jazz Harp & Symphony Orchestra. This has included performances with the The Chandos Symphony Orchestra (who commissioned the work), Swindon Symphony Orchestra, and Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra. Upcoming performances of the Concerto include the Welsh premiere with the Cardiff Philharmonic at the BBC Hoddinott Hall and a performance in the Grieg Hall, Alcester with the Stratford Upon Avon Symphony Orchestra.
Upcoming appearances at the time of writing include his first performing trip to Australia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Indonesia in the summer, another UK tour with the Transatlantic Hot Club, and a return to Corsica with the Transatlantic Hot Club.
Ashley John Long
Ashley John Long is an award-winning virtuoso double bassist and composer active in a diverse range of musical idioms including jazz and improvisation, early and contemporary chamber music, and as a soloist. He has performed and recorded internationally with some of the UK's leading Jazz musicians, as well as accompanying visiting international artists, whilst his work as a soloist has seen the premiers of numerous new works for solo bass.
As a composer, Ash has carved a reputation as a creator of innovative scores that balance fine detail with freedom and flexibility whilst retaining a strong melodic sense. 2018-2019 saw him participating in the London Philharmonic Orchestra's young composers scheme which culminated in the orchestral work Lunea (2019). He studied at RWCMD (BMus) and Cardiff University (PhD) where he undertook research into contemporary performance practice and composition where he also lectures in musicology, performance, and composition.
Joseph Van Parys
Joseph Van Parys is a guitarist from North Yorkshire with a passion for swinging jazz. He’s played in and around South Wales/England, becoming a well known jazz guitarist on the scene after completing his studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. His particular focus is on the swing era of jazz, and his creative soloing and sensitive accompaniment alike has been praised by audiences across the South of the UK.
Come and relive the era of swing with harp, bass and guitar. Experience swing classics, Django standards, and Bossa Nova during this exciting performance from three excellent musicians based in South Wales.