The blog is dedicated to Irish Jazz and to the fans, musicians and venues that support it. if you have any content you would like to add to the blog please get in touch.
On this edition I take you on a journey to explore the roots and evolution of George and Ira Gershwin's classic "I got Rhythm" with contributions by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Ornette Coleman and others
Read more: Tales from the far Side 14.04.22 I got Rhythm - the journey of a tune
On this week's edition I have a look at the line-up of the upcoming Bray Jazz Festival and play you a selection of some of some of the appearing artists and you can hear music by Bill Frisell, Yazz Ahmed, Tord Gustavsen, Michael Janisch, Umbra and others.
Read more: Tales from the far Side 07.04.22 Preview of Bray Jazz Festival
Remembering the late great trumpeter, composer, bandleader and eductor Ron Miles with a selection of his work during his very fruitful career cut short by his untimely death.
Read more: Tales from the far Side 31.03.22 Remember Ron Miles
This episode of the Hot Box sets the scene for Jazz Legends – Charles Mingus 100th and Miles Davis Kind of Blue.
21st April – National Concert Hall – Dublin
22nd April – Cork Opera House – Cork City
On the centenary of his birth, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra & Big Band pays tribute to Charles Mingus. In an imaginative first, the RTÉ CO has joined forces with its counterpart the BBC Concert Orchestra to commission a special set of brand-new orchestrations from Guy Barker, allowing both orchestras to do full justice to one of the greatest jazz musicians of them all.
On this edition I celebrate the arrival of Spring, which might be late but always jazzy with music by Tango Transit, Susannah McCorkle, Kenny Barron, Roland Rahsaan Kirk, Stan getz, Marius Neset, Miles Davis, Chico Hamilton and others.
JAZZ SPEAKS FOR LIFE TO STOP THE WAR ............
The theme of this week's edition of TALES FROM THE FAR SIDE
Music by Dr. Lonnie Smith, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Charles Lloyd+the Marvels, Kip Hanrahan+Conjure, Grant Green, Duck Baker, Emile Parisien, Misha Alperin, Jackie McLean and others.
Read more: Tales from the far Side 16.03.22 Jazz is Life, Jazz is peace, No War
On this edition you can hear some of the greatest Jazz Piano Solos captured on the Blue Note Label over the decades since its foundation. And you can hear music by Albert Ammons, Meade Lux Lewis, Sonny Clarke, McCoy Tyner, Don Pullen, Renee Rosnes, Bill Charlap and others
Read more: Tales from the far Side 10.03.22 Blue Note Label' s Great Piano Solos