AN internationally renowned jazz and country guitarist will be providing entertainment in the Vale of Clwyd in early November.

North Wales Jazz will extend a warm welcome to the Gray Potter Trio on Wednesday, November 7.

The trio will be appearing at the White House, in Rhuallt.

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 at11, appearing professionally in country bands when he was only aged 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 the best country guitarist on three occasions.

His unique approach to fingerstyle followed a visit to the legendary Segovia when he was just 15 years of age.

Gary Potter is a melodic, lyrical and imaginative guitarist, with a perfect rhythmic sense.

His renowned versatility owes much to his major influences, including Django Reinhardt, Bireli Lagrene, Charlie Parker and Wes Montgomery, yet his truly incredible technique and flair ensures he has an identity all his own.

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 North Wales Jazz Society-organised North Wales International Jazz Guitar Festival.

His CD, entitled Minor Swing, has been featured extensively on BBC Radio 2.

For this trio setting, Gary will be accompanied by Edward Binstead (rhythm guitar) and Alan Stratton (double bass).

The concert at the White House will start at 8pm on November 7 and admission is priced at £6.50, £6 concessions, £5.50 for members and £3 for Student Union members and school children.

See www.northwalesjazz.org.uk for more details.