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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Livia Records continues its run of ambitious and distinctive jazz releases with At Swing, Two Birds by Ronan Guilfoyle’s Bemusement Arcade—a record that finds deep inspiration in the jazz tradition while challenging its rhythmic foundations with daring innovation.
Led by acclaimed bassist, composer, and educator Ronan Guilfoyle, this brand-new album features seven original compositions performed by a top-flight quartet of creative improvisers: Sam Norris (alto sax), Chris Guilfoyle (guitar), and Darren Beckett (drums). The album is housed in a beautifully designed 12-page booklet with session photography and liner notes offering deeper insight into the music.
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- Written by: Werner Lewon
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: All Other Jazz
Read more: Tales from the far Side 03.04.25 West Coast Blues-Jazz from the West Coast of Ireland
On this edition I look at some activities in presenting Live jazz at the Westport Jazz Club and Jazz Radio from the West of Ireland and there is music by Harold Land, Wes Montgomery, the QOW Trio, Kevin Brady Electric Quartet, Nancy Wilson, Sonny Criss, Charles Mingus and others
Read more: Tales from the far Side 03.04.25 West Coast Blues-Jazz from the West Coast of Ireland
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Applications now open - Closing date: Thursday 15 May 2025 at 2pm
Fingal County Council Arts Office, in partnership with Music Network, is delighted to announce the launch of its newly established Musician-in-Residence Award at Carnegie Library, Swords. This exciting initiative offers musicians the opportunity to develop their artistic practice, create new work and engage with local audiences.
The residency will provide the selected musician with dedicated time and space to develop and showcase new work and/or foster artistic collaborations. The recipient will receive an award of €6,000, space to work, as well as mentoring and career development support. The residency will culminate in a public concert, allowing audiences to experience the musician's work firsthand.
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- Written by: Donald Helme
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: The Hot Box
Read more: The Hot Box #138 - Roy Ayres
The Hot Box #138 celebrates the music of another recently departed musician, “Roy Ayres.” Originally known as a jazz vibraphone player, he rapidly expanded his status and became, some would say, one of the major creators of jazz funk.
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Read more: Bray Jazz Festival 2025: A Global Celebration of Jazz
As the May Bank Holiday weekend approaches, jazz lovers from Ireland and beyond are gearing up for the much-anticipated Bray Jazz Festival 2025. Now in its 24th year, the festival returns from May 2nd to May 4th, bringing a stellar lineup of international and homegrown talent to the picturesque seaside town of Bray, Co. Wicklow.
With artists from the US, UK, France, Belgium, Japan, Italy, Finland, Norway, and more, this year’s edition promises a truly global celebration of jazz. Supported by The Arts Council of Ireland, Wicklow County Council, and an array of sponsors, Bray Jazz Festival continues to uphold its reputation as one of Ireland’s leading jazz events.
Read more: Bray Jazz Festival 2025: A Global Celebration of Jazz
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- Written by: Werner Lewon
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: All Other Jazz
Read more: Tales from the far Side 27.03.25 Another Touch of Blue in Jazz
On this edition I explore "Another Touch of Blue" expressed through Jazz with all it's different shades, shapes and colours, the Colour BLUE celebrated by the music of the Jan Garbarek Group, Jutta Hipp Quintet, Yaala Ballin, Thelonious Monk, J.J.Johnson+Kai Winding, Aki Takase+David Murray, Tom Harrell, Tomasz Stanko, George Cables and others
Read more: Tales from the far Side 27.03.25 Another Touch of Blue in Jazz
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Jazz Ireland is proud to announce the launch of an exclusive 11-part documentary series celebrating the life and music of renowned Irish jazz guitarist Tommy Halferty. The first episode will premiere on April 30th at 5 PM (Irish Time) as a YouTube Premiere, coinciding with International Jazz Day. This series offers an in-depth look at Halferty’s extraordinary contributions to Irish jazz, featuring interviews, archival footage, and insights from fellow musicians.
Directed and produced by guitarist and filmmaker Peter Moc, this documentary dives into the musical life and contributions of Tommy Halferty, tracing his journey from his early years to his most influential projects and albums. As one of the most significant figures in Irish jazz, Halferty’s work as an educator, composer, and performer has left an indelible mark on the genre.