- Details
- Written by: Donald Helme
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: The Hot Box

Two extracts from Jim Doherty’s infamous “Spondance” form the centrepiece of the sixth Hot Box. And then its big orchestras all the way. Lincoln Centre Orchestra’s Vitoria Suite, an extract from Maria Schneider’s Grammy winning The Thompson Fields, and the some lively contributions from the Spanners Big Band in London.
- Details
- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News

Read more: Renowned Newpark Jazz education programmes move to Dublin City University
New DCU BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance launched for 2017
The full-time music education programmes of the renowned Newpark Music Centre, Ireland’s primary centre for jazz and jazz-related music education, are moving to Dublin City University and will be consolidated into a new DCU BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance.
Read more: Renowned Newpark Jazz education programmes move to Dublin City University
- Details
- Written by: Donald Helme
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: The Hot Box

The fifth Hot Box includes the charming album MIQ plays MJQ, highlighting an Irish quartet that included Tony Micelo on vibes. Also check out the debut album by progressive group CEO Experiment, underlining the lively international jazz scene in Ireland. Also featured are tracks by recent visitors to Ireland, Wayne Shorter, Charles Lloyd and the Hot Club of Cowtown.
- Details
- Written by: Donald Helme
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: The Hot Box

Jazz Ireland releases the fourth edition of The Hot Box, hosted by veteran jazz presenter Donald Helme. The show includes new releases from Resonance Records, previously unreleased gems by Bill Evans, Stan Getz and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. All pristine and excellent recordings. The Bill Evans double album was recorded in Germany just days after the trio recorded their “Live at Montreux” album. The show also includes vocal jazz from Emilie Conway, Carmel McCreagh and Renée Marie.
- Details
- Written by: Donald Helme
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: The Hot Box

The Hot Box 003 is a guitar parade, put together in honour of JJ Smyth’s jazz venue, and their legendary “Guitar Nights” which are now looking like things of the past following the sale of the pub this autumn. The Hot Box honours some of the finest Irish guitarists, including Tommy Halferty, Mike Nielsen and Hugh Buckley. You’ll also hear tracks from Jon Scofield’s new album “Country for Old Men”, from Frank Vignola and Bill Frisell among others.
- Details
- Written by: Donald Helme
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: The Hot Box

Read more: The Hot Box #002 – Tribute to Louis Stewart
In the second issue we wanted to pay personal tribute to the great Irish musician Louis Stewart who died recently. I feel that whilst musicians around the world recognised Louis’ brilliance, the listening public in Ireland never really appreciated the talent in their midst, excepting a few dedicated guitar fans. The 90 minute show gives us a musical insight and included rare material with the Tubby Hayes band as well as an extraordinary recording with the late drummer John Wadham.
- Details
- Written by: Donald Helme
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: The Hot Box

Welcome to the very first issue of The Hot box. In this issue you will hear the young Cleveland-based trumpeter Dominick Farrinacci, tracks from Irish drummer Kevin Brady and his trio, Irish singer Stella Bass, and the new American piano virtuoso Sullivan Fortner amongst many others. Show lasts one hour.