Gareth Roberts Quintet on tour

Cardiff-based trombonist Gareth Roberts takes his quintet on its debut UK tour in early 2009 thanks to a Jazz Services Promoters' Choice Award.

Brought up near Aberystwyth, Gareth is a familiar face on the south Wales jazz scene and released his quintet's debut album Attack of the Killer Penguins in 2006.

Gareth was nominated for the award by Brian Pretty of the Lichfield District Arts Association.

The tour dates are as follows:

15 January 2009 - Birmingham Yardbird

16 January 2009 - Lichfield Guildhall

21 January 2009 - Swansea St James Social Club

27 January 2009 - Newcastle-upon-Tyne Cluny

29 January 2009 - London Spice of Life

5 February 2009 - Cardiff Cafe Jazz

25 February 2009 - Rossendale St Mary's Chambers

11 March 2009 - Monmouth Queens Head Inn

Gareth cites Charles Mingus as his main influence as a composer, along with Horace Silver and Dave Holland.

His favourite trombonists are Jimmy Knepper and Gary Valente, whose solo on an Andy Sheppard recording persuaded him to take up jazz after his early experiences of playing euphonium in brass bands.

The line-up is completed by Gethin Liddington on trumpet, Paul Jones on piano, Chris O'Connor bass and Mark O'Connor drums.

See www.garethtrombone.co.uk for more about his music.