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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
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Read more: Jazz Ireland Seeks Board Members
Help Shape the Future of Irish Jazz with Jazz Ireland
Jazz Ireland, the dedicated platform for promoting and supporting Irish jazz, is seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join its inaugural Board of Directors. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the vibrant development of Irish jazz and help guide Jazz Ireland into a sustainable and impactful future.
Established in 2016, Jazz Ireland has been at the heart of the jazz community, promoting over 5,000 events across 500+ venues, producing 130 podcast episodes, and reaching audiences in over 40 countries. As the sole national platform for Irish jazz, Jazz Ireland has built a reputation as an essential hub for artists, audiences, and the wider jazz community. Now, with recent funding from the Arts Council and incorporation underway, the organization is ready to take the next step in its journey.
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Read more: Rory Conneally Awarded Young Irish Jazz Musician 2024
November 19th, 2024 – Last Sunday evening, 17-year-old pianist Rory Conneally from Sligo was awarded the prestigious title of Young Irish Jazz Musician 2024.
The competition reached its thrilling finale at the University Concert Hall, Limerick, where five outstanding finalists delivered stunning performances to a live audience and a panel of judges led by composer Bill Whelan. Each finalist had the unique opportunity to perform alongside a professional house band, adding an extra layer of excitement and professionalism to the event. This year's final was an absolute success, showcasing a truly impressive caliber of talent. The decision was incredibly challenging for the judges due to the high quality of each performance.
The Young Irish Jazz Musician competition is a showcase for the finest emerging jazz talent across the island of Ireland. The finalists were carefully selected through a rigorous application process, where submitted recordings were evaluated to choose the top five. This year’s exceptional finalists were:
Read more: Rory Conneally Awarded Young Irish Jazz Musician 2024
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Read more: Exploring New Horizons: Hugh Buckley's Purple Dayz Revisits the Classics
Irish jazz guitarist Hugh Buckley brings a fresh spin on familiar tunes from the 60s and 70s with Purple Dayz, his latest album. Known for his skilled interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions, Buckley ventures into pop and rock for this project, reimagining iconic songs from artists like the Isley Brothers, Jimmy Webb, Labi Siffre, the Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix. Joined by Scott Flanigan on organ and Shane O'Donovan on drums, Buckley forms an organ trio that breathes new life into these beloved tracks, infusing them with jazz textures and dynamic rhythmic twists.
A stand-out feature of Purple Dayz is the contribution of Hugh's son, Eoghan Buckley, who makes his vocal debut on two tracks, Wake Up Everybody and Imagine. The inclusion of vocals adds another layer of expressiveness, with Eoghan lending heartfelt delivery to John Lennon's Imagine, which Buckley has uniquely re-harmonized into a minor key for a darker, introspective take.
Read more: Exploring New Horizons: Hugh Buckley's Purple Dayz Revisits the Classics
- Young Irish Jazz Musician National Event comes to University Concert Hall Limerick on November 17th
- Sue Rynhart Releases New Album “Say Pluto” – A Journey Through Jazz and Gothic Folk
- Gregory Porter makes surprise appearance at opening event of Guinness Cork Jazz Festival
- Louis Stewart and Martin Taylor’s Acoustic Guitar Duets Reissue: A Masterpiece Revisited