I often wax lyrical about the quality of music and the musicians who perform at the Fourcroft Jazz Brunches. The latest performance by Iceland's greatest export to Tenby, Caudia Gunnars, was simply astonishing.

During the break in the previous Jazz Brunch session, Chris Osborne casually informed the 'Brunchers' that the forthcoming session by Claudia and the Jazzmasters would also feature another hugely talented Icelander in the form of guitarist Bjorn Thoroddson. He said he hadn't heard him play, but had read he has an excellent reputation. Understatement or what! What I saw and heard last Sunday in the Fourcroft will stay with me forever.

Unbelievably, Claudia, and her Jazzmasters Bjorn Thoroddson (lead guitar), Alan Vaughn (on bass guitar) and Sam Christie (on drums) had never performed together before. They walked out into the performing area following a 10 minute chat, picked up their instruments, then performed with the cohesion and understanding of a group who had spent a lifetime together.

It was heartwarming to hear Claudia pay a sincere tribute to Chris and Kath Osborne for their role in encouraging her to become a jazz performer and their support for live music and musicians in Tenby.

She then gave an immediate understanding of the standard of music they were about to perform as she launched into a beautifully sultry version of Leonard Cohen's 'Dance me to the end of Love.' She had set the bar high and every following number took it even higher. I was thinking what singing sensation Claudia should be compared to. But, then I realised that would be unfair, Claudia is a star in her own right capable of mesmerising much larger audiences on a much bigger stage.

She then breezed through two equally brilliant versions of a Portuguese Bossa Nover called 'Desafinado' and 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square.'

She then went on to sing a stunning version of 'Summertime.' It was during this beautiful song that the 'Brunchers' got their first real glimpse of the awesome talent of Bjorn Thoroddson. A rendition of Duke Ellington's 'Caroline' followed by 'Sweet Georgia Brown' featuring extended solo's from Bjorn, Alan and Sam. Again, astonishingly, these men had only met a few short minutes ago and were producing music of an unbelievably high quality. Without a shadow of a doubt, the presence of the incredibly talented Bjorn brought out the very best in Alan and Sam. They responded magnificently to his lead and were well up to the challenge. It was a joy to watch as a simple nod or discreet hand gesture from Bjorn would take them in and out of Solo's, to then recombine in perfect harmony.

Claudia then sang stunningly beautiful versions of Leonard Cohen's 'Everybody Knows' and Van Morrison's 'Moondance' followed by a wonderfully moody and atmospheric version of 'Black Coffee.' She combined perfectly with her Jazzmasters stepping in and stepping out like a well-oiled machine. When the musicians held the limelight, Claudia simply swayed in perfect rhythm to the wonderful sounds they were producing. What they could produce with guitars and drums, Claudia could more than match with her perfectly pitched voice. As incredible to watch as it was a pleasure to listen to.

The second half was much shorter than the first, but no less less enjoyable. Starting with 'Blue Skies' and a Potuguese version of the 'Girl from Ipanema' followed by 'Love for Sale,' Claudia puts her heart and sole into each number.

The absolute highlight of the performance was an Icelandic lament called 'Seeds.' Claudia's pitch perfect voice stunned the audience into absolute silence. You could have heard a pin drop. You don't have to speak a language to understand the emotional impact of a good song particularly when it is delivered as well and atmospherically as only Claudia can.

This was followed by a lively version of 'I've got Rhythm' performed by Bjorn, Alan and Sam. Bjorn's absolute class and mastery of his guitar was a joy to behold. Alan and Sam also gave great accounts of themselves. At times, it didn't seem possible that so much music could be produced by just three people.

Claudia then performed a top notch version of 'the beat go's on' before finishing the set by drawing the whole audience in sing the chorus of 'Oh Ariaro.'

I have been to many Jazz Brunches at the Fourcroft and heard many incredible performances. This was something extra special. (Did I mention they had only all met a few minutes before they performed?) You can travel the world, but you would be hard pushed to find anyone who could out-sing or out-perform Tenby's own Icelandic superstar Claudia.

Thanks to Chris, Kath and the staff at the Fourcroft for making it happen.

Allan Morris