On this edition we stay MOSTLY BLUE and asking the question, "why is the colour BLUE so common and so deeply connected with Jazz, in lyrics, song titles, as statement of emotions and even used in names of record labels.

And there will be music by Duke Ellington, Bud Powell, Miles Davis, George Cotsirilos, Joe Henderson, Dianne Reeves, Billie Holiday, Serge Charloff, Louis Armstrong and others.

Read more: Tales from the far Side 05.04.2018 Mostly in Blue with a bit of Blue in Green

The biggest and best Jazz Festival is returning to Derry from 3rd – 7th May 2018.  The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival will be back for its 17th year, featuring artists from all over the world and attracting over 60,000 revellers over the bank holiday weekend.

This year’s headliner is Sir Van Morrison, who will perform in the Millennium Forum on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th May.  The multi award winning singer, composer and performer will be showcasing songs from his most recent studio albums Roll with the Punches and Versatile - as well as dipping into some of his greatest and best known hits from undoubtedly one of the most revered back catalogues in music history.

Read more: City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival 2018

Paris based, Irish vocalist and songwriter, Liv Monaghan, has just released a music film for her song, Ocean Blues, from the EP, Beauty in the Park.

The film is a collaboration with up and coming Italian director, Sara Grimaldi. Following on from Horses, this marks their second music film collaboration.

The song, Ocean Blues, takes us on a surreal journey through both urban and natural landscapes, presenting us with a series of juxtaposed snapshots fused with a retro feel, both lyrically and musically.

Read more: Ocean Blues Music Video - Official Release

In Jazz Mine 151 you will hear from artists such as Julien & John, Kimio Eto, Eduardo Niebla, Linley Hamilton ( with Cian Boylan & The Camden Orchestra ), Melody Gardot and many more.......... Saturdays 5PM on dublincityfm.ie.

Email : midweekmusic [AT] dublincityfm [DOT] ie with any comments, suggestions. etc. Thanks.

Read more: Jazz Mine No. 151 Saturday 31st March 2018

On this edition you can hear a selection of spring encouraging tunes from Cold Spring to Joy Spring. Spring will be a little late this year but you must believe in spring, the soundtrack delivered by Jim Hall, Pat Metheny , Ahmad Jamal, Dave O'Higgins, Abbey Lincoln, Spike Robinson, Larry Coryell, Emily Remler, Clifford Brown and others.

Read more: Tales from the far Side 29.03.18 Some jazz to encourage spring to arrive

In Jazz Mine 150 you will hear from artists such as Wes Montgomery, The Tommy Halferty Trio, Red Garland Trio, Elva MacGowan, Don Wilkerson, Aoife Doyle, Jackie McClean, Phil Ware Trio.and many more..........As you can see lots of Blue Note in this selection. Saturdays 5PM on dublincityfm.ie.

Email : midweekmusic [AT] dublincityfm [DOT] ie with any comments, suggestions. etc. Thanks.

Read more: Jazz Mine No. 150 Saturday 24th March 2018

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival recently appointed Sinéad Dunphy to be Festival Director for 2018 and coming years, and here she writes of the adrenalin rush that has accompanied her appointment. She has broad experienced to bring to the job, having been involved in the arts for over 20 years as a performer, producer, director and event organiser at arts festivals, shows and events. She was the highly successful Festival Manager of the Cork International Choral Festival, increasing its international profile and seeing it double in size under her stewardship.

She attended UCC, gaining a degree in Drama and Theatre Studies, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. She has worked with Cork City and County as an educator, and with the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She also runs her own production company where she teaches adults in acting and directing.

She sent us her thoughts on the upcoming challenges…….

Read more: Talking Jazz with Sinéad Dunphy