The 7 Virtual Jazz Club continues its worldwide search for new and underexposed jazz talent from the four corners of the world with the second edition of their online competition. There is an impressive list of judges this year and a grand prize of € 4,000 will be awarded to the winner. The second edition of 7 Virtual Jazz Club Competition is dedicated to the memory of Ella Fitzgerald. Entries accepted from September 15th, 2017 to November 5th, 2017

Read more: 7 Virtual Jazz Club's Global Online Jazz Contest 2017 Edition - Total ‎€ 7,000 in Prizes

The CEO Experiment has released a new animation for one of their tracks “SunBeam”, one of my personal favourites. Check it out below.

The CEO Experiment is one of a kind Piano Trio which combines delicate atmospherics and highly creative improvisations, oscillating between almost every genre in Jazz. The CEO Experiment's music is thoughtful and inventive but also full of character, reflecting the different background and imagination of the players.

We're very happy to celebrate the longest day of the year by bringing you the animation video of our single "SunBeam", a song dedicated to the sun. What better day to give our appreciation and thanks to the universe and the sun than today!

A huge thank you to the creator of the animation video Anthony Sands who spent days and nights perfecting this absolutely beautiful video, thanks for everything Anthony, you are magical, beautiful and extremely talented human being!

Now....PRESS PLAY AND ENJOY!

Read more: CEO Experiment "SunBeam" Animation Video

Irish vocalist and composer, Edel Meade to release ‘Sideways’, the first single from her long awaited debut album on Friday 26th May.

Following on from the video release of ‘Blue Fantasia’, an enthralling experimental piece earlier this year, ‘Sideways’ takes the listener on an enchanting journey through the small hours, exploring the mystique of romance and freedom of spirit. The music is gorgeous, evocative and soothing with it’s luscious textures, rich vocal harmonies and lyrics that are unapologetically intimate.

Read more: Debut single release: Edel Meade – Sideways

Nigel Mooney (guitar, vocals) was the very first jazz and blues musician to play in JJ Smyth’s, back in 1986. The upstairs venue in Aungier Street went on to become the nearest thing we had to a jazz club in Dublin. Sadly, all this has come to an end with the owners’ decision to sell the pub. After several ‘farewell gigs’ over the last few months, the absolutely final finale took place on Sunday 23 April. Nigel Mooney, who played the first gig 31 years ago, also played the last. He was backed by Johnny Taylor (piano), Barry Donoghue (bass) and Dominic Mullan (drums), with Richie Buckley (tenor sax) as a special guest. The place was packed.

Read more: Farewell To JJ’s

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

The great jazz legend Louis Stewart has passed away at the age of 72. Louis will not only be remembered for his incredible career in jazz but also as an inspiration for future jazz musicians and of course his rapier wit. I thought it would be nice to put together a collection of some of the things people had to say about Louis.

Read more: Louis Stewart 1944 - 2016