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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Livia Records continues its run of ambitious and distinctive jazz releases with At Swing, Two Birds by Ronan Guilfoyle’s Bemusement Arcade—a record that finds deep inspiration in the jazz tradition while challenging its rhythmic foundations with daring innovation.
Led by acclaimed bassist, composer, and educator Ronan Guilfoyle, this brand-new album features seven original compositions performed by a top-flight quartet of creative improvisers: Sam Norris (alto sax), Chris Guilfoyle (guitar), and Darren Beckett (drums). The album is housed in a beautifully designed 12-page booklet with session photography and liner notes offering deeper insight into the music.
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Applications now open - Closing date: Thursday 15 May 2025 at 2pm
Fingal County Council Arts Office, in partnership with Music Network, is delighted to announce the launch of its newly established Musician-in-Residence Award at Carnegie Library, Swords. This exciting initiative offers musicians the opportunity to develop their artistic practice, create new work and engage with local audiences.
The residency will provide the selected musician with dedicated time and space to develop and showcase new work and/or foster artistic collaborations. The recipient will receive an award of €6,000, space to work, as well as mentoring and career development support. The residency will culminate in a public concert, allowing audiences to experience the musician's work firsthand.
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- Written by: Red Keane
- Parent Category: Jazz Ireland Blog
- Category: Jazz News
Read more: Bray Jazz Festival 2025: A Global Celebration of Jazz
As the May Bank Holiday weekend approaches, jazz lovers from Ireland and beyond are gearing up for the much-anticipated Bray Jazz Festival 2025. Now in its 24th year, the festival returns from May 2nd to May 4th, bringing a stellar lineup of international and homegrown talent to the picturesque seaside town of Bray, Co. Wicklow.
With artists from the US, UK, France, Belgium, Japan, Italy, Finland, Norway, and more, this year’s edition promises a truly global celebration of jazz. Supported by The Arts Council of Ireland, Wicklow County Council, and an array of sponsors, Bray Jazz Festival continues to uphold its reputation as one of Ireland’s leading jazz events.
Read more: Bray Jazz Festival 2025: A Global Celebration of Jazz
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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