The blog is dedicated to Irish Jazz and to the fans, musicians and venues that support it. if you have any content you would like to add to the blog please get in touch.
In the Hot Box #126 Donald briefly explores the relationship between Irish Traditional music and Irish jazz before getting into some more great Irish Jazz Artists. You can hear racks from artists such as Brian Dunning, Grainne Brookfield, Brendan Doyle, Cormac Kenevey, Richie Buckley, Ciaran Wilde and John Donegan.
Music aficionados and jazz enthusiasts, get ready for an unparalleled auditory experience with the release of "Louis Stewart with Jim Hall - THE DUBLIN CONCERT." This newly unearthed live recording from December 26, 1982, is a unique collaboration between two of the most revered guitarists in jazz history. Available on September 6, 2024, this album promises to be a treasured addition to any jazz collection.
Recorded at Dublin’s Maccabi Hall, "THE DUBLIN CONCERT" captures an intimate and electrifying performance by Louis Stewart and Jim Hall. This concert was an unexpected delight for Dublin jazz fans, hastily arranged when it was discovered that Hall was vacationing in Ireland. The serendipitous event brought together Louis Stewart, Ireland’s first world-class jazz musician, and Jim Hall, a modern jazz guitar pioneer. Despite their differing styles, the two guitarists delivered a spellbinding performance, showcasing their deep mutual respect and masterful interplay.
Read more: Rediscovered Gem: "Louis Stewart with Jim Hall - THE DUBLIN CONCERT"
On this edition I hava a glimpse at this year's Sligo Jazz Festival and feature some of the appearing artist of this extraordinary Jazz Summer School and Festival that is going from strength to strength into its 19th year.
Read more: Tales from the far Side 180724 A Preview of Sligo Jazz Festival 2024
Released May 2, 2023
Chris Engel - Soprano & Alto Saxophone
Bill Blackmore - Trumpet
Darragh O’Kelly - Piano
Cormac O’Brien - Double Bass
Matthew Jacobson - Drums
A collaborative Jazz group is a beautiful thing. While a certain focus that comes by way of having a leader with a strong musical vision is sometimes less present, diversity of writing styles and an eclectic mix of tunes can provoke a joyfulness when everyone is throwing different compositional ideas at a given project. The Workshop’s recent recording, simply entitled Vol. 1, has a foot somewhere in both camps. There is palpable spirit of adventure throughout the nine very differing compositions, yet the recording retains a high degree of unity, perhaps largely due to the deeply intertwined professional relationships of the five members, all of whom have long worked together in a variety of other settings.
A Tribute to an Icon
‘For Sinéad’ is a lyrical homage to the iconic Sinéad O’Connor, whose indomitable spirit and powerful voice left an indelible mark on the world. The song captures the essence of O’Connor’s courage, strength, and enduring influence in Ireland and across the globe. This heartfelt tribute marks Meade's first release since her celebrated album ‘Brigids and Patricias’ in 2021.
Read more: Edel Meade Pays Tribute to Sinéad O’Connor with New Single ‘For Sinéad’
Join us for a special all-Irish edition of The Hot Box, where we bring you the finest in Irish jazz. This episode features stellar tracks from the likes of Cian Boylan, Hugh Buckley, and Damian Evans (Boylan, Buckley & Evans), as well as performances by John Wadham with Louis Stewart & Frank Hess, Scott Flannigan, Emilie Conway, Tommy Halferty and John Donegan. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Ireland's jazz scene with this exceptional lineup.
Newpark Music Academy, a cherished institution renowned for nurturing musical talent and fostering a vibrant community, has recently announced its closure. This unexpected decision, made by the board of directors, has left many in shock and sadness.
A Legacy of Excellence
For 45 years, Newpark Music Academy has been a cornerstone of our community, providing high-quality music education to students of all ages. With over 600 students and 42 dedicated staff members, the academy has seen numerous achievements, from student performances in prestigious venues to alumni succeeding in professional music careers. Its contributions to the local cultural landscape are immeasurable, making its closure all the more poignant.
Reasons for Closure
On 22nd May, staff were informed that the academy would close on 1st June, a shocking and sudden announcement for everyone involved. The board of directors cited financial issues as the primary reason for the closure. However, this explanation came as a surprise, as no prior financial difficulties had been communicated.
Read more: Newpark Music Academy Closure: A Loss for the Irish Music Community