SPANISH flamenco jazz guitarist Eduardo Niebla gave a concert last week in his home village of Melmerby, where he lives with his wife and two children.

The hall was almost full, with an appreciative audience enjoying his particular style of music.

Carl Hooper, the accompanist, was unable to attend, but his place was ably taken by Carl Herring.

All 11 pieces in the programme were composed by the guitarist himself and played with great gusto by both performers.

At the end of the concert, they were not allowed to leave the stage before rendering an encore, which included much hand clapping and, of course, audience participation.

Niebla’s concert appearances have included the Olympic Games in Greece, the Tbilisi International Jazz Festival in Georgia, Glastonbury Festival and the Jaipur Festival in India, in addition to many worldwide tours.

He has been described as a world-class virtuoso, and certainly lived up to that description following this breathtaking performance.

Compact discs were on sale on the night and may still be ordered by telephoning Katherine on 01765-640338.

Niebla will be delighted to autograph them, as he did on the night, when he was kept very busy during the interval doing just that.

The next concert is on October 31, when the Tony Goodacre Duo appears from 8pm. Admission is £4 and there will be a bar, refreshments and a raffle. Proceeds are a cancer research charity.

For details, ring 01765-640226.

The duo last appeared in Melmerby in February.

A Pearson Flint