Welcome to In the Groove, a brand-new YouTube series from Jazz Ireland, where we bring you closer to the people shaping the vibrant Irish jazz scene.
A couple of weeks ago, we the chance to sit down with Festival Director and co-founder George Jacob ahead of the 25th Anniversary of the International Bray Jazz Festival. Thanks so much to George and Dorothy for their hospitality.
Special thanks to Maurizio Pittau for the concert video/audio.
The Bray Jazz festival is a staple of the Irish jazz scene, running for 25 years, it has been host to some of the biggest names in the jazz world. This year is no exception with the festival welcoming International acts such as: 17 times Grammy Award nominated pianist Fred Hersch, Cuban jazz pianist and band leader Roberto Fonseca, and Grammy winning New York trumpeter Eddie Henderson, UK Parliamentary Jazz Awards group of 2024, Ukrainian harpist Alina Bzhezhinska’s Hip Harp Collective, and British jazz singer of the year Sara Dowling with Sam Braysher’s Quartet as well as some of the very best home-grown talent Ireland has to offer.
During the interview, George spoke about how the festival began, how it’s developed over time, some memorable moments, and this year’s line-up.
You can find more info and tickets at the Bray Jazz Festival website: https://brayjazz.com/
Stay tuned for more episodes as In the Groove explores the stories, artistry, and passion behind Ireland’s thriving jazz community. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep up with all the latest from Jazz Ireland!
Credits: Interview and production by Hayley Kavanagh and Eric Doyle on behalf of Jazz Ireland. Concert footage, video/audio provided by Maurizio Pittau
