Acclaimed Welsh musician and composer Dave Cottle BEM will premiere two ambitious new jazz suites this December, reimagining the words of Richard Burton and Dylan Thomas through a unique fusion of jazz and spoken word.
The new works, inspired by A Christmas Story by Richard Burton and A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, will receive their Welsh premieres at Cornerstone, Cardiff, on 10 December and The Arts Wing at Swansea Grand Theatre on 11 December.
Featuring narration from broadcaster Sian Lloyd and actor Griff Harries, the performances promise a rich celebration of Welsh storytelling, music and memory during the festive season.
At the heart of the project are two beloved literary works that capture childhood experiences of Christmas in Wales. Through original compositions, songs and instrumental passages, Dave Cottle and his ensemble bring fresh musical life to these cherished stories while remaining faithful to the warmth, humour and nostalgia at their core.
The first suite is based on Richard Burton's A Christmas Story, which reflects on a Christmas Eve from Burton's childhood in Port Talbot. The music intertwines with the narrative, creating a vivid soundscape that follows the young Burton's adventures and observations.
One particularly moving section revisits a scene where Burton is taken by his infamous "Mad Uncle Dan" to a community bonfire, where local people and miners gather together in song. This moment inspired the composition A Little Piece of Ashwood, a piece that celebrates the power of community, belonging and shared experience.
The second half of the evening is dedicated to Dylan Thomas' iconic A Child's Christmas in Wales. One of the most beloved festive works in Welsh literature, Thomas' story provides the inspiration for a suite of original jazz compositions inspired by the characters, events and memories woven throughout the tale.
Audience members familiar with the classic work may recognise references throughout the music, with compositions including 12 and 6, Fire at Mrs Protheroe's, Useful & Useless Presents, and Christmas Uncles, all drawing upon memorable moments from Thomas' nostalgic portrait of a Welsh Christmas.
The performances will feature an accomplished ensemble of leading Welsh jazz musicians:
Dave Cottle – Piano
Alun Vaughan – Bass
Gail James – Drums
Sarah Meek – Vocals
Dan Newberry – Saxophone
Together, the musicians blend contemporary jazz with literary storytelling, creating an experience that is both distinctly Welsh and universally resonant.
Speaking about the project, Cottle describes the suites as a celebration of Welsh cultural heritage through music, bringing together literature, jazz and spoken word to connect audiences with stories that have become an enduring part of Wales' national identity.
With Christmas approaching, these premieres offer audiences a chance to experience two treasured Welsh classics in an entirely new way, combining the evocative words of Burton and Thomas with original live music performed by some of Wales' most respected jazz artists.
Event Information
New Jazz Suites: Richard Burton's A Christmas Story & Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales
Thursday 10 December, 8pm
Cornerstone, Charles Street, Cardiff
Friday 11 December, 8pm
Arts Wing, Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea
Narrators: Sian Lloyd and Griff Harries
Tickets and Information:
www.swanseajazz.co.uk
For more information about Dave Cottle and his work, visit:
www.davecottlemusic.co.uk
