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Simply to list some of the titles of the pieces performed - ‘Laughing Wolf’, ‘Dusty Windowsill’, ‘Clumsy Lover’, ‘Kitchen Devils’, for example - is to give an idea of the poetry and imaginative span of what was to be heard in Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor on Friday 26th March. Following the intimate rapport of the Nicholas Jones Trio playing classical chamber music two weeks before, here was an equally tight-knit group, the Harriet Earis Trio, in their element in a different idiom, that of ‘Celtic Jazz Fusion’.

Despite fears from some that they might not enjoy such ‘funky’ repertoire, a very good time was had by all. (Such was also the case at the afternoon workshop for local primary schools - thanks to Dolgellau Rotary for sponsoring this.)

In the absence (due to another engagement) of her usual bass player, Harriet had invited keyboard specialist Richard Hughes to join herself (on Celtic harp) and regular drummer Sam Christie; the unit could for all the world have been playing together for years. Richard Hughes made himself more than at home on the Coleg’s Bechstein by placing an Edirol keyboard to its left (for amplified bass figures picked out by his left hand) and another small keyboard on its shelf, together with a MacBook for manipulating effects; in the midst of all this the Bechstein itself came through loud and clear with limpid improvisations played by the right hand or by both. Sam Christie’s support on drums and percussion was judged to perfection, strong but never intrusive or self-regarding. This left the way for Harriet’s Celtic harp to dance, dazzle and shine, her whirling fingers totally at one with the instrument, even the semitone levers at the top being flicked at speed to create an unbroken flow of inventive and beguiling sound.

There were also stories to be shared, such as Sam Christie’s account of his decision to test the legend of Cader Idris, spend a night on the mountain, and descend either madman or poet. Judging by the lucidity of his storytelling, he must have fallen into the latter category; and there was indeed poetry in the Trio’s rendering of the traditional ‘tune Cadair Idris’. (The sounds of the wind recorded on his nocturnal field trip can be heard on the Trio’s CD, ‘From the Crooked Tree’.) Other tales were told of tunes piped into post offices, of song-fragments notated in dust (see titles above), or (ditto) of lethal kitchen knives enlisted as percussion. It was altogether a lively evening.

On a sadder note tribute was paid to long-standing and loyal Club member Dr John Watkin Jones, whose death had just recently been announced. A beautiful solo harp piece ‘The Swan’ was dedicated by Harriet to his memory, and as this evocative piece was played, conjuring images of the swan gliding serenely on its journey, all present were ably quietly to remember a man who (besides great erudition in his own field) loved and played music with great understanding. He will be sorely missed.

The final concert (at 7.30pm in Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor) will be a piano recital by Robert Chesters to be given on Friday 9th April. (This is the concert postponed, as previously announced, from 16th January.)

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