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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Jazz Ireland is proud to announce the launch of an exclusive 11-part documentary series celebrating the life and music of renowned Irish jazz guitarist Tommy Halferty. The first episode will premiere on April 30th at 5 PM (Irish Time) as a YouTube Premiere, coinciding with International Jazz Day. This series offers an in-depth look at Halferty’s extraordinary contributions to Irish jazz, featuring interviews, archival footage, and insights from fellow musicians.
Directed and produced by guitarist and filmmaker Peter Moc, this documentary dives into the musical life and contributions of Tommy Halferty, tracing his journey from his early years to his most influential projects and albums. As one of the most significant figures in Irish jazz, Halferty’s work as an educator, composer, and performer has left an indelible mark on the genre.
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Read more: Tom Caraher to Release Debut Album Ninety Degrees with Launch Event at Arthur’s
A fresh wave of energy is sweeping through the Irish jazz scene with the release of Ninety Degrees, the highly anticipated debut album from saxophonist and composer Tom Caraher. Officially launching on March 10, 2025, the album will be celebrated with a live performance at Arthur’s Blues & Jazz Club in Dublin on April 10, 2025. Tickets and event details here.
Stephen Graham (marlbank.net) captures the buzz: “One of the most scintillating debuts emanating from the Irish scene in years.” With its fusion of 1970s electric jazz, modern jazz-rock, and vibrant funk influences, Ninety Degrees is a bold statement of artistry and collaboration, with Caraher leading a powerhouse ensemble of some of Ireland’s finest musicians.
Read more: Tom Caraher to Release Debut Album Ninety Degrees with Launch Event at Arthur’s
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Read more: SPONDANCE: Jim Doherty’s Iconic Octet Album Re-Issued with a Special Concert in Dublin
Livia Records proudly announces the re-issue of SPONDANCE, Jim Doherty’s 1986 jazz suite featuring an all-star lineup, including legendary Irish guitarist Louis Stewart. This long-awaited re-release will be celebrated with a special performance at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, on February 28th — the first time the suite will be played live in Dublin.
🔗 Event Details & Tickets
🔗 Pre-Order the Album
A Snapshot of Jazz History
SPONDANCE captures a unique moment in jazz history. Recorded in just one day at Hollywood’s Sand & Sage Studio in September 1986, the suite was originally written as the score for a modern jazz ballet. Though the ballet never materialized, the music stood strong on its own, showcasing Doherty’s thoughtful compositions and the musicians’ stellar performances.
Read more: SPONDANCE: Jim Doherty’s Iconic Octet Album Re-Issued with a Special Concert in Dublin
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Read more: Michael Buckley’s Ebb and Flow – A Landmark Contemporary Release from Livia Records
Livia Records proudly presents Ebb and Flow, is proud to announce the release of 'Ebb and Flow,' the latest album from renowned Dublin saxophonist Michael Buckley. This marks the label’s first contemporary jazz new contemporary release in nearly four decades, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in Irish jazz. The album is available for purchase on CD and digital download via the Livia Records website: Ebb and Flow – Michael Buckley,
Recorded in 2024 at Michael’s House of Horns Studio, Ebb and Flow is a compelling collection of nine original compositions. The album showcases Buckley’s distinctive voice on the saxophone, supported by a stellar trio featuring Greg Felton on piano, Barry Donohue on bass, and Shane O’Donovan on drums. From intricate post-bop arrangements to tender ballads and adventurous free improvisations, the album exemplifies the modern Irish jazz landscape at its finest, 'Ebb and Flow' showcases a collection of original compositions that highlight the group’s deep musical connection, blending post-bop energy, tender balladry, and free improvisation.
Read more: Michael Buckley’s Ebb and Flow – A Landmark Contemporary Release from Livia Records
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Read more: Open Call for Emerging Artist/Group Performance - Kildare Jazz Festival 2025
Are you an emerging jazz artist or group ready to take the stage? This is your chance to shine at one of Ireland’s most exciting jazz events! Kildare Jazz Festival is inviting fresh, talented voices in jazz to perform as part of the festival’s opening night on Friday, 4 April 2025, at 7 PM in Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge.
What's on Offer:
- A performance slot at Kildare Jazz Festival 2025
- A stipend of €500 (total)
- Full house tech support
- Access to all Kildare Jazz Festival performances
This is an incredible opportunity to showcase your talent and be part of an inspiring line-up featuring both national and international artists.
Read more: Open Call for Emerging Artist/Group Performance - Kildare Jazz Festival 2025
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Read more: Introducing Jazz Ireland’s New Video Series: In the Groove
At Jazz Ireland, we’ve always been passionate about connecting people with the vibrant and ever-evolving Irish jazz scene. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new video series, In the Groove. This exciting series is dedicated to celebrating the stories, artistry, and people that make jazz in Ireland so unique.
What is In the Groove?
In the Groove is a deep dive into the lives, inspirations, and creative processes of the extraordinary musicians who shape the Irish jazz community. Each episode features in-depth interviews, candid conversations, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights. Whether you’re a long-time jazz enthusiast or new to the scene, this series promises to inspire, inform, and entertain.
Read more: Introducing Jazz Ireland’s New Video Series: In the Groove
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Read more: Victor Lazzarini's Palimpsest: A Sonic Journey Through Time and Space
Victor Lazzarini’s new album, Palimpsest, is a profound exploration of musical memory, history, and reinvention. Drawing inspiration from the idea of a palimpsest—a manuscript written over and layered with traces of the past—the album layers decades of musical influences, genres, and techniques to create a singular sonic tapestry.
Released on June 12, 2024, through Farpoint Recordings, Palimpsest showcases Lazzarini's mastery of keyboards and synthesizers, supported by the dynamic contributions of Mumbai-based drummer and composer Aman Jagwani. Together, they navigate through a spectrum of jazz, electronic, and contemporary music, blending innovation with reverence for tradition.
Read more: Victor Lazzarini's Palimpsest: A Sonic Journey Through Time and Space