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

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

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.

Read more: Jazz Ireland Seeks Board Members

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

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

November 5th, 2024. We are about to finish the search for the best young jazz musician in Ireland!

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. The final starts at 7.30pm and tickets are €10.00.

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. Limerick Jazz is delighted to announce that world renowned Limerick musician and composer Bill Whelan has agreed to adjudicate the event again. 

Read more: Young Irish Jazz Musician National Event comes to University Concert Hall Limerick on November 17th

Critically acclaimed Dublin jazz-folk singer and songwriter Sue Rynhart is set to launch her latest album, Say Pluto, with a highly anticipated live performance at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin on October 27th. This new release, inspired by Gothic tales and featuring collaborations with award-winning Welsh jazz pianist Huw Warren and double bassist Dan Bodwell, marks an exciting exploration of folk influences within Rynhart’s well-established jazz roots.

Say Pluto is the third album from Rynhart, whose debut Crossings earned a nomination for Best Jazz Album of the Year in 2014 and brought her wide recognition across Ireland’s jazz community. Moving in a new direction, Say Pluto integrates haunting themes inspired by Gothic literature—hauntings, isolation, renewal, and empowerment. Rynhart elaborated on her inspiration, revealing that much of the album's creative foundation emerged during her artist residency at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris:

Read more: Sue Rynhart Releases New Album “Say Pluto” – A Journey Through Jazz and Gothic Folk