The “Devil’s Music” in Wales, was the subject of the eminent historian Prof. Sir Deian Hopkin’s talk at the February meeting of Chelmsford and District Welsh Society. In his welcome speech the President, Arthur Williams, recalled that after the hearing a talk on jazz given by the Professor several years ago he had been inspired to learn two chords, which had allowed him to entertain on the guitar ever since! Jazz appears to have begun with the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a gospel group at the Fisk University for free slaves in the Mississippi delta, in 1874. Many in the audience were amazed to learn how popular trad jazz had been in Wales early in the 20th century, with 120 dance bands in the Abertawe (Swansea) area, including the world champions Valleys Jazz Band. Fashions changed after WW2. Jazz pianist Dill Jones had a huge impact on the UK scene, with the best band of the day, and best pianist for 3 years. He turned Welsh traditional music into jazz, and a jazz seminar was held at the National Eisteddfod. Aberhonddu (Brecon) Jazz Festivals of the 90s were regarded as the best in Europe. The new generation of Welsh artists include: Ian Shaw, singer and pianist at Ronny Scott’s Club; Gwilym Simcock (Bangor Cathedral, Chethams School and the RA), BBC Young Musician of the Year, composer of jazz and classical music; Karl Jenkins, jazz musician for 20 years and now a foremost classical music composer. Recently, jazz  in Wales went through a rough time, with the Brecon Festival reduced to a Jazz Weekend, but is showing signs of renewal with festivals in Llangollen and Abergwaun (Fishguard), and the North Wales Jazz Programme. At the conclusion, the Vice-president, Brian Farmer, congratulated Sir Deian for delivering such an excellent talk and presented him with a Society goblet.