A must-see jazz band from Mid Wales will be launching their River Severn inspired-debut album in Newtown with a not-to-be-missed musical and visual exploration of the landscape of Maldwyn and The Marches.

The Will Barnes Quartet will be performing their new album - Source of the Severn - on two consecutive special evenings at Oriel Davies before touring extensively through late 2023 and 2024.

Guitarist Barnes will be joined on Friday (October 6) and Saturday (October 7) by drummer James Batten, Jack Gonsalez on piano and bassist Clovis Phillips as well as talented local landscape artist and album artwork creator Erin Hughes who will be providing a special visual show alongside the quartet’s live performances.

The original artworks and prints for the album will be available to view at the gallery throughout the weekend of the shows.

County Times:

A spokesperson for the band said: "This album of original music is a modern take on the classic bebop-era with influences of Wes Montgomery, Bill Evans, Pat Metheny and Oscar Peterson, further taking inspiration from the exquisite landscape of Mid Wales and the Marches.

"Erin has created nine original pieces in response to the music utilising her meticulously hand-marbled papers as her artistic palette to skilfully craft collages that emulate the traditional artistry of Pietre Dure."

Tickets costing £15 for the events, doors open from 6.30pm, are now available to buy from Oriel Davies by visiting the website: orieldavies.org/whats-on/the-will-barnes-quartet

The Will Barnes Quartet will also be performing at the SpArc Theatre in Bishop’s Castle on Friday, November 3; Hanging Gardens in Llanidloes on Saturday, November 25, and Mid Border Arts in Presteigne on Saturday, January 13.