Steve Welsh - saxophones, flute, clarinet
Darragh O'Kelly - keys
Sean Maynard Smith - bass
Brendan Doherty - drums and percussion

Bassist Sean Maynard-Smith is following up the 2021 recording Eh, No and his more confidence-inducing title Actually, Yeah in 2023, with a release by the Pizza Jazz group aptly named Home Delivery. Born by way of the lactic workshopping of Luckys’ Pizza Jazz evenings at their regular residency in Dublin, Maynard-Smith and his fellows Darragh O’Kelly on keyboards and drummer Brendan Doherty are joined on Home Delivery by American saxophone expat Steve Welsh. What follows is a record that is eccentric in all the right ways.

It isn’t easy music to provide an overview of. Some moments seem to channel the lighter shades of 70s Stanley Clarke in Venusian mode, especially so when O’Kelly’s vintage synth meets Welsh’s flute, such as on the third track Languidity. Other times we are lured more towards firmer Jazz territory, for example with their rendition of the Ornette Coleman classic Ramblin’, which is now for all intents and purposes in the standard repertoire. The enduring fascination lies in the way the ensemble is emphasising some of the more introspective sides of 60s Free Jazz and 70s Fusion, yet at the same time there is a fingerprint of individuality that means drawing too many comparisons to past styles deny Home Delivery’s unconventionality it’s due acknowledgement..

Read more: Album Review - Pizza Jazz, "Home Delivery"

Welcome to the 127th edition of The Hot Box! In the last two episodes, we celebrated Irish albums from start to finish. If you missed them, I highly recommend catching up—those shows were packed with fantastic music.

This time, we're diving into longer, more immersive tracks designed to help you unwind and savor the beauty of the music. Expect to hear works from the likes of Andy Sheppard, Bill Evans, and selections from the upcoming release of The Dublin Concert, featuring Louis Stewart and Jim Hall, brought to you by Livia Records.

Read more: The Hot Box #127

Irish singer-songwriter Jennifer McMahon is set to captivate audiences once again with the release of her highly anticipated EP, Willow. Slated for an August 30th, 2024 release, this five-track collection is more than just an album—it's a testament to McMahon's evolution as an artist, blending her deep-rooted influences in soul music with her signature lyrical storytelling. To celebrate the release, McMahon will embark on an intimate Irish tour, kicking off with a special launch concert at The Bello Bar in Dublin.

A Glimpse into Willow

Willow is a rich tapestry of sound and emotion, recorded across two iconic locations: Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville and The Barn of Music in Dublin. This follow-up album leans heavily into McMahon's love for old-school soul, with lush, warm keys and organs played by Boston-native Clifford Bond and a crisp drum backdrop provided by Colorado’s Dev Malloy. The basslines, both electric and upright, come alive under the fingers of Nashville session player Zachariah Witcher, while Dubliner Darren Giles adds a tasteful touch of electric guitar.

Read more: Jennifer McMahon's Willow EP: A Soulful Journey and Upcoming Irish Tour

Date: August 10th
Venue: The Cellar of the Workman's Club, Dublin
Featuring: Luisa Annibali & The Brazilian Music Journey

A Night to Celebrate Jazz and Brazilian Music

Join us on August 10th for a captivating evening at The Workman's Cellar, where the intimate and acoustically rich space will transform into a vibrant hub of music and dance. This unique event, part of the Irish Women in Jazz Live Podcast & Concert Series, promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring the incredible talents of Luisa Annibali and her ensemble, The Brazilian Music Journey.

Read more: Experience the Vibrant Rhythms of Brazil at The Workman's Cellar!