One of the world’s acknowledged masters of jazz and fusion guitar styles, Larry Coryell will be appearing in concert at the Catrin Finch Centre at Wrexham’s Glyndwr University on Saturday, May 16.

This is destined to be the highlight of the latest international jazz guitar weekend organised by North Wales Jazz, and the final event in a day-long series of master classes featuring the US maestro.

Worshipped by a legion of fans since the late 1970s, Larry Coryell is considered a Renaissance musician. A true eclectic, armed with a brilliant technique, Larry is comfortable in almost every style and has just finished touring the USA, headlining a five-guitar band that also features the cream of American jazz guitarists Jimmy Bruno, Jack Wilkins, Vic Juris and Joe Cohn.

The late 1960s through the early 70s saw Larry, who was born in Galveston, Texas, emerge as one of the most in-demand guitarists in jazz, rock and many other musical genres.

He toured with Jack Bruce and was featured in sessions with Jimmy Webb, Charles Mingus, Billy Cobham, Chick Corea and John McLaughlin.

The albums produced during this period show Larry Coryell to be a profoundly eclectic musician and improviser who merged jazz, rock and his classical training with eastern influences.

In 1974 he formed The 11th House, the most popular and successful fusion band of its time, which included his friend and colleague Randy Brecker.

After The 11th House disbanded, Larry was signed by Clive Davis for Arista Records where he made a series of solo albums, followed by a direct-to-disc recording with the Brecker Brothers.

A regular headliner at jazz clubs around the world, including the Blue Note in New York, Catalina’s in L.A., Blues Alley in Washington DC, Ronnie Scott’s in London and the Porgie and Bess jazz club in Vienna, Larry also performs at huge open-air music festivals in the Far East, Europe, Brazil, including sell-out appearances at London’s Barbican Centre.

Larry performs worldwide, teaches privately and at universities and composes on a regular basis. He is also the author of two hard cover teaching books published by Miller-Freeman.

Joining him for Saturday’s concert will be four fine UK guitarists, Phil Robson, Adrian Ingram, Trefor Owen and Andy Hulme, as well as the double bass and drums of Bill Coleman and Dave Hassell.

The concert starts at 8.30pm and admission prices are £15, concessions £13 and school children £5.

Tickets are also available for the exclusive day-long event in which the legendary American musician will be presenting two master classes, also at the Catrin Finch Centre, from 10am-noon and 2-4pm, with admittance into the evening concert also included in the price of £100 (concessions £95).

For booking and further information regarding the concert, or the whole day package, call 01745 812260, or visit northwalesjazz.org.uk for full details.