Returning to the Royal British Legion at Llay on Tuesday, February 24 is the enormously popular Gary Potter Trio, led by the UK’s finest gypsy jazz guitarist.

Gary Potter enjoys enormous popularity both as a jazz and country guitarist not only throughout the UK but also in Europe, the USA and Australia.

Entirely self-taught, he started to play guitar at the age of 11, appearing professionally in country bands when only 12. Gary’s path towards jazz started when a friend gave him a recording by the legendary Django Reinhardt, which had an immediate impact on him. From then on jazz has been his life.

Gary, whose musical experience is extensive and covers jazz, country, classical, pop, funk and blues, is a virtuoso in country fingerpicking and has been voted Best Country Guitarist on three occasions. His unique approach to fingerstyle guitar was inspired by a visit to the legendary Segovia when he was 15.

His technique and versatility owe much to his major influences including Django Reinhardt, Bireli Lagrene, Charlie Parker and Wes Montgomery.

The winner of the British Country Music Award and the National Arts Award for Jazz, Gary was the first gypsy guitarist to release a DVD, Hotter Than Hot, which was recorded at the NWJ-organized North Wales International Jazz Guitar Festival, while his albums have featured extensively on BBC Radio 2’s Michael Parkinson Show.

For this North Wales performance, Gary Potter will be accompanied by Felix Bellingham on rhythm guitar and Ed Harrison on double bass.

The music commences at 8.30pm and admission is £6.50, concessions £5.50, with a special rate of £3 for Students’ Union members and schoolchildren. Further information is available from the North Wales Jazz Society on 01745 812260 and at www.northwalesjazz.org.uk .