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 pay tribute to Ronnie Cuber, on e of the leading baritone saxophonists of our time who sadly passed away this October.
Read more: Tales from the far Side 15.12.22 A Tribute to Ronnie Cuber
On this edition I have a look at some extraordinary female trumpeters in the history of jazz. Music by Valaida Snow, Cora Bryant, Ingrid Jensen, Barbara Donald, Yazz Ahmed, Laura Jurd, Arielle Bresson, and Jaimie Branch
Read more: Tales from the far Side 08.12.22 Female Trumpet Power
CoisCéim, one of Ireland’s leading dance companies, presents their latest jazz inspired performance, The Piece With the Drums from 17th- 28rd January, 2023 in Project Arts Centre, Dublin. Building on the critical success of GO TO THE BLAZES, David Bolger and CoisCéim present a pulsating, magical theatrical experience, driving a dance narrative between dancer and percussion.
Directed and choreographed by David Bolger, with music, beats and everything in between by pioneering Jazz percussionist Conor Guilfoyle, this major new work is a colourful exploration of relationships, spirituality, and our connection to rhythm, life and the cosmos. It showcases the jazz drum kit and its elements, breaking down the notion of rhythm through the dancers movements, the beats and the very construction of the drum kit itself. In imagining the piece, both David and Conor, look to question the depth of the impact rhythm has on our lives.
The new work of the Bray-based band, established in 2012, comes from the necessity to express themselves. In 10 original songs, “We Are Human” enhances the intricacy of the human being, how fragile and vulnerable we all are, but still so beautiful and strong. Moreover, they talk about fundamental values such as acceptance and love for oneself, the empathy towards others and the respect for the Earth.
Musically speaking, this new work sounds more mature, the complexity of its realization fully reflects the professional and personal growth of the two Artists; they challenged themselves with a continuous research of new sounds, playing around with vocal harmonizations, orchestrations and electronic music elements.
On this edition you can hear another blast of magnificent Big Band Jazz with contributions by the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, Maria Schneider Bib Band, John Beasley's Monk'estra, the Electric Ladyland Orchestra, the WDR Big Band with Fred Hersch and also with Steve Gadd, Eddie Gomez and Ronnie Cuber
Read more: Tales from the far Side 01.12.22 Another Big Band Bash
The 91st Hot Box takes a look at Christmas (already!)
A selection of jazz from all eras that celebrates or satirises Christmas from the personal collection of Donald Helme.
On this edition I introduce you to some new Latin Jazz releases to warm up a dark, cold and wet Irish Night with music by Alex Acuna, Dafne Prieto, Roxane Amed, Miguel Zenon, Brian Lynch, Steve Turre and others