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.

Read more: The Hot Box #126

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"

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.

Read more: The Workshop, Vol. 1 - Review

Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Edel Meade announces the release of her poignant new single, ‘For Sinéad,’ to mark the anniversary of O’Connor’s untimely passing.

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’