The official release date of Karl Clews second album of original material for bass, entitled Navigator, is due out on 2^nd April 2021!

As the title suggests, this album sees Karl exploring further the concept of the bass as a solo and lead instrument, with more expansive compositions drawing on a wider range of influences, from African to South American styles, from jazz, funk and fusion to hip-hop, and a wider tonal and textural palette, incorporating piccolo and tenor basses. With the exception of guest spots on a handful of tracks by Galway musicians Bernard Huvé and Adam Daniel on sax, Ciaran Storey on guitar and Richie Dittrich on drums, all the sounds on the album are made by basses, and it provides a demonstration of just how versatile - and misunderstood - the modern electric bass can be.

Read more: Upcoming Release 'Navigator' by Karl Clews

Guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader Max Zaska has announced the second ZASKA album, A Better Way, has named its featured artists, and has launched a crowdfunding campaign to bring the project to light.

A Better Way features vocalists Tolü Makay, Faye O’Rourke (Soda Blonde), Melina Malone, Jess Kav, (The Waterboys), Carly Coonagh, and Precious Okpaje (Super Silly). James Smith (Gypsies On The Autobahn) who sings on the album, also plays keys and co-produces the album with Zaska. The band is rounded out by longtime collaborators Dylan Lynch (Soda Blonde) on drums and Neil Dorrington (BARQ) on bass.

Read more: ZASKA announces new album - A Better Way

The latest EP from Rynx Laneran “Morphology Pt.2” was released on 21^st February 2021 on all streaming platforms.

Each track of Rynx Laneran’s latest release illustrates a significant stage in Evin O’Brien’s development and influences as a musician, composer and music fan. Subtle references re-contextualized within original compositions, explored in-depth through the process of collaborative improvisation. This EP is a reflection on how this ensemble has matured over the course of a year of performing together. Rynx Laneran produce three distinctive “scenes” over the course of this EP, moments of intense groove and interplay ensue.

Stream “Morphology Pt.2” on your platform of choice

Read more: New EP Release “Morphology Pt.2” from Rynx Laneran

Acclaimed Irish vocalist and composer EDEL MEADE will release her stunning new solo album ‘BRIGIDS AND PATRICIAS’ on 8th March, International Women’s Day.

"One of the most powerful vocal performances of late." 

CIAN Ó CÍOBHÁIN,
RTÉ RAIDIÓ NA GAELTACHTA

A strikingly original artist working in the field of jazz, folk and contemporary music; her voice has been described as mesmerising or magical even, while her music is haunting, evocative and powerful. This compelling new collection of original songs reflects on what it means to be an Irish woman living in 21^st century Ireland, shaped by Irish history, folklore and contemporary society at large.

Read more: New Album Release from Edel Meade “Brigids and Patricias”

This is a song that most people will know but not like this. Although the song is almost 90 years old and been covered by many great artists like Otis Redding and Percy Sledge, Bobby Mc definitely puts his own feel on the classic with some modern touches. Produced by Mat Leppanen and released in conjunction with the London based independent label 'The Animal Farm', Bobby Mc's warm tones flow through this soul classic. He's joined on the track by Irish Piano Virtuoso Podge Kilbride.

Read more: Try A Little Tenderness – Single Release from Bobby Mc

Liv Monaghan, vocalist and songwriter is about to release a taste of the Parisian Jazz scene with her latest project, recorded in Serge Merlaud’s apartment in central Paris - Chez Serge.

Accompanied by Sava Medan on upright bass and Serge Merlaud on guitar for an intimate recording of three songs, one new composition, Foolish Woman, written by Monaghan and two covers, with each mother tongue of the trio represented in the set list.

The group have played together over the past five years in various cafes and clubs on the Paris jazz scene. Some of the Trio’s influences include Bill Evans, João Gilberto, Gretchen Parlato and Norah Jones.

Read more: Liv Monaghan Trio Presents New project Chez Serge

In June 2020, Phil Ware - one of Ireland’s leading jazz pianists - suffered a major stroke. His friends and musical colleagues have come together to form the Fund for Phil, to support him through this most challenging time and to raise money to help his rehabilitation.

Phil Ware is one of Ireland’s leading jazz musicians, a renowned pianist and an inspirational teacher, whose playing credits include some of Ireland’s - and the world’s - greatest musicians including Louis Stewart, Peter Bernstein, Perico Sambeat, Bobbie Wellins and Ian Shaw.

In June 2020, Phil suffered a major stroke due to a ruptured aneurism which has left him severely disabled and facing a long and expensive period of rehabilitation. The Fund for Phil is an official fund-raising campaign, endorsed by Phil’s family and closest friends, set up to support his ongoing recovery and governed by an independent board of trustees.

Read more: The Fund for Phil