The Sofa Sessions, Kilkenny’s long-running jazz and creative music series, is moving from its home at Billy Byrne’s bar to the Yulefest Bandstand on Parade at Kilkenny Castle for Christmas week.

Programmed by Irish Times jazz critic and Sofa Sessions curator Cormac Larkin, the evening concerts at 7pm on Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd will present some of the biggest stars in Irish jazz in suitably festive form: internationally renowned bassist Ronan Guilfoyle’s Brazilian project, Tudo Bem! (20th); Dublin blues eminence Nigel Mooney’s special Christmas show (21st); and legendary rock guitarist Jimmy Smyth with his Xmas Organised band (22nd).

Read more: The Sofa Sessions at Yulefest Kilkenny

New Release from Riona Sally Hartman entitled Fód which is the Irish word for Sod or a piece of earth. This wonderful new track is about finding courage and hope in nature. Available from November 11^th from Bandcamp, Apple Music and Spotify.

“I would love it if tomorrow you got a pair of headphones, stepped out the door and went for a six-minute walk and listened once through from start to finish. No doom scrolling, no checking emails, just walking and listening. Is that a lot to ask? Yes, it is. I know it is, but that's what I'd love for this song. That's my wish that I'm putting out into the universe.”

- Riona Sally Hartman

Read more: Fód - new release from Ríona Sally Hartman / amhrán nua le Ríona Sally Hartman

Irish singer songwriter Aoife Doyle will release THEY SAY, the third single from her upcoming album on 16th November. It's a soulful song with fabulous brass arrangements by Michael Buckley and impeccable backing vocals from Margot Daly.

'Aoife Doyle combines the guts and vulnerability of a blues singer with the poise and musicianship of a well-schooled jazz artist .... Her albums to date have charted her growth from singer to songwriter, and she always keeps impeccable musical company.'

THE IRISH TIMES

'One of the most eagerly awaited albums... and it doesn't disappoint. It's right up there with anything I have heard this year.' 

LINLEY HAMILTON BBC Radio Ulster

"THEY SAY is about learning to trust your gut and intuition. There are so many influences in this world and if we don't cultivate a strong sense of inner direction they can pull us in every direction and make for a confusing life.'

Aoife Doyle is originally from Bray, Co. Wicklow now living in Co. Clare. While she has been performing for many years, it was upon moving to the West Coast of Ireland that she found her songwriting voice.

Read more: AOIFE DOYLE shares new song THEY SAY from upcoming album INFINITELY CLEAR

Irish singer songwriter Aoife Doyle will release CLARE SKY, the second single from her upcoming album on 13th October. Produced by Michael Buckley, the song is a folk infused lament set in the beautiful west coast of Clare.

“I wrote CLARE SKY after a tragic incident that happened in the community. It's a lament and a tribute to this magical place and the warmth of the people here. I have found great solace and peace on the West Coast of Ireland. With CLARE SKY I've tried to paint a picture of the places I love the most.”

Aoife Doyle is originally from Bray, Co. Wicklow. She moved to Liscannor, Co. Clare in 2014. While she has been performing for many years, it was upon moving to the West Coast of Ireland that she found her songwriting voice.

Read more: AOIFE DOYLE shares new song CLARE SKY from upcoming album INFINITELY CLEAR

Triskel’s jazz offering is an integral part of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, often providing a haven from the busyness of the city during a jam-packed weekend. This year, Triskel have curated a weekend of cinema and concerts featuring the best of local and international jazz legends.

Cork musicians Paul Dunlea and Cormac McCarthy join forces on Friday 22nd October for a set that will include both standards and original compositions. On Saturday 23rd “piano whisperer” Marc Copland is taking to the stage for a concert that will also pay homage to his long time friend and collaborator John Abercrombie. The impressive line-up finishes on Sunday 24th with two concerts in association with Music Network – Xenia Pestova Bennett and Ed Bennett perform a a radical reinterpretation of Bach’s famous Goldberg Variations at 2.30pm, while at 8pm Kit Downes launches his brand new album Dreamlife of Debris.

“Triskel are very proud to bring together such special artists for what will be an outstanding weekend of exceptional music, all of it inspiring, original and sublime,” said Tony Sheehan, Artistic Director with Triskel. “We’d like to pay tribute to Music Network and Guinness Cork Jazz Festival for their partnership and support and what was a challenge to pull together for everyone involved.”

Read more: Triskel and the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

LL Groove Band have released their new EP entitled Fine & Strange on September 24^th

Recorded during the pandemic under lockdown this EP features all new material with a mix of funk, jazz and hip-hop. The EP is available on all music streaming platforms via distrokid.

This EP is a reflection of our inspirations, our way of coping with 2 difficult years. You will find punchy lyrics from Malin and tight grooves. Let yourself drown in the melodies and the flow.

Drums: Ben Cooper
Guitar: Gerry Lane
Saxophone: Yuzuha O'Halloran
Vocals and lyrics: Malin
Bass: Léon Laisne

Read more: LL Groove Band - Fine & Strange EP

Only Hugh - the debut fingerstyle solo guitar release by guitarist Hugh Buckley. The material on this recording includes original tunes by Hugh, tunes by Ellington, Monk and Harold Arlen and a couple of pop tunes from Hugh's youth. All tunes arranged by Hugh Buckley.

“During lockdown I had time to work on some solo guitar playing and I am really excited about developing this area of my musical journey. I have recorded my first solo guitar album for release in September 2021.”

Recorded by Ciaran Buckley Dorman, August 2021.
Cover art design by John Salinero.
Super8 b/w footage by Jonathan Matthey.
Video by HuBu.

Read more: New Album Release “Only Hugh” Solo Guitar Album from Hugh Buckley