Jazz enthusiasts are in for a treat this November with the remastered and extended reissue of Acoustic Guitar Duets, a celebrated collaboration between two of jazz guitar’s finest, Louis Stewart and Martin Taylor. Originally recorded in Dublin’s Trend Studios in 1985 and first released in 1986, this new version, courtesy of Livia Records, is set for release on November 8, 2024. The reissue promises enhanced sound quality, an additional track, and a beautifully crafted 16-page booklet containing new photographs and expanded sleeve notes.

A Historic Collaboration

The roots of Acoustic Guitar Duets can be traced back to the early 1980s, when Martin Taylor toured with legendary violinist Stephane Grappelli. Louis Stewart, already a well-established guitarist, joined the tour in the mid-1980s, and the two quickly formed a dynamic duo. Their shared understanding of jazz standards, bebop classics, and even traditional folk tunes led to the creation of this intimate studio session, capturing their fluid interplay and effortless musicianship.

Read more: Louis Stewart and Martin Taylor’s Acoustic Guitar Duets Reissue: A Masterpiece Revisited

The search for Ireland’s best young jazz musician continues!

Limerick Jazz will host Young Irish Jazz Musician 2024 in University Concert Hall, Limerick on the evening of Sunday 17th November 2024. Finalists will perform with a professional house band before an expert panel of judges and a live audience.

Young Irish Jazz Musician is a showcase for the best of emerging jazz talent across the island of Ireland. At the inaugural 2022 event the award went to pianist Nils Kavanagh from Sligo. Nils has gone on to a national tour and was Young Artist in Residence at the Sligo Jazz Festival in 2023.

Read more: Judges Announced for Young Irish Jazz Musician 2024

For the first time ever, the legendary Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will be performing in Ireland, an unmissable occasion for jazz lovers! Dublinjazz.ie is thrilled to present "Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis" at the iconic National Concert Hall on [DATE TBD], 2025 at 8:00 pm.

This historic event promises to be a memorable night, featuring one of the world’s most celebrated jazz orchestras led by Marsalis himself—a musician whose influence on jazz has been immeasurable over the past four decades. With a ticket price range of €40.00 to €95.00, available from [NCH.ie], this performance offers a rare opportunity to experience jazz at its highest level.

Read more: Wynton Marsalis & Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra - A Landmark Jazz Event in Dublin

The stunning dance performance features live music by the esteemed jazz drummer Conor Guilfoyle.

Lovers of jazz music and dance are in for a treat as one of Ireland's best known dance companies, CoisCéim, prepare to embark on a national tour of their critically acclaimed show, “The Piece with The Drums”.

Described as “pulsating with theatrical magic,” this exceptional production combines live music performances by pioneering jazz percussionist Conor Guilfoyle with explosive dance routines directed by visionary choreographer David Bolger.

After receiving rave reviews, following its world premiere in January 2023, this dynamic and high-energy Jazz-era show is set to enchant audiences throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of the tour, director David Bolger commented:

“With this show we want to really push the boundaries of how audiences experience these two artforms. It’s a witty, uplifting, fifty-minutes of escapism that will chase away the winter blues and celebrate the connections between music and movement as well as our relationship to life and the cosmos! Audience members will embark on a journey, ranging from nuanced dance routines to explosive solo performances by some of the country’s finest dancers and all set to the rhythm of expertly crafted live drum arrangements and incredible looping sequences.”

Read more: CoisCéim's hit show "The Piece with The Drums" to tour nationwide

The 13th edition of the Limerick Jazz Festival is set to captivate audiences from the 26th to the 29th of September, with four exciting nights of live jazz in the heart of Limerick. This festival, long established as a highlight in Ireland's jazz calendar, continues to showcase the diversity, creativity, and global reach of jazz music.

Since its inception, the Limerick Jazz Festival has brought a wide range of talent to the city, from local artists to renowned international performers. This year's lineup is no exception, featuring acts from Timisoara, Romania to North Devon, UK; Statesville, North Carolina to Warrington, Northern Ireland; Rimavská Sobota, Slovakia to Limerick City. The festival is known for its broad scope, not only in geography but in style, offering something for everyone while embracing the full spectrum of jazz. The 2024 program also highlights the multi-generational nature of the jazz world, welcoming both well-established figures and fresh, emerging talents.

Read more: The 2024 Limerick Jazz Festival: Four Nights of Global Jazz in the Treaty City

In a moment of celebration and relief, the Newpark Academy of Music has announced that it will officially reopen in September 2024 at its current location, Melfield House. After facing months of uncertainty, this beloved Dublin institution is ready to welcome back students, staff, and the wider community to continue its 45-year legacy of providing accessible music education.

This reopening comes after intense efforts from the Save Newpark Academy of Music group, the outgoing Board of Directors, and a dedicated working group. Their collaboration has ensured that the academy, which has been a pillar of the Irish music education scene, can now move forward stronger than ever. While the academy will remain in its current premises for the upcoming year, plans are already in motion to transition to a new facility by May 2025.

Read more: Newpark Academy of Music Set to Reopen: A Triumph of Community and Music

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