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
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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.
The octet featured jazz heavyweights:
- Jim Doherty – piano & composer
- Louis Stewart – guitar
- Bobby Shew – trumpet
- Bob Sheppard – alto saxophone
- Gordon Brisker – tenor saxophone
- Randy Aldcroft – trombone
- Tom Warrington – bass
- Billy Mintz – drums
The album’s six tracks span a wide range of jazz styles — from ballads to bop, Latin grooves to swinging ensemble pieces. Doherty’s compositions tell a story, with solos shaped by the characters and scenarios he envisioned for the ballet. On its original release, the Irish Times hailed Louis Stewart’s playing as his best-ever captured on record, and praised the entire ensemble’s interpretation of Doherty’s compelling charts.
The Re-Issue: A Deeper Dive into SPONDANCE
This newly remastered edition comes with a 16-page booklet, including unseen photographs and sleeve notes from Jim Doherty, Gerald Davis, Ray Comiskey, and Dermot Rogers, providing fresh insights into the recording’s creation and legacy.
The re-release brings the album to a new generation of listeners, underscoring its lasting vibrancy and timeless relevance. SPONDANCE is available on CD and digital download, officially releasing on 28th February.
Marking the Occasion: A Historic Dublin Concert
Despite being performed at European jazz festivals in the late '80s, SPONDANCE has never been played live in Dublin — until now. To coincide with the re-issue, a concert will take place at the National Concert Hall on February 28th, featuring a new generation of Irish jazz musicians breathing life into this historic suite.
For Jim Doherty, this is a deeply personal moment. SPONDANCE is his proudest recording, and he’s thrilled to see it performed live again. His lifelong friendship with Louis Stewart began when he discovered Louis’s talent as a teenager in 1960 — a moment that sparked one of Irish jazz’s most important collaborations.
A Legacy of Music and Friendship
Jim Doherty remains a cornerstone of the Irish jazz scene, renowned for his compositions, arrangements, and lightning-quick wit. The album title itself, SPONDANCE, reflects his love of comedy, inspired by the Goon Show (with Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan). Fittingly, his son, David O’Doherty, has carried that legacy of humor into his own successful comedy career.
With the re-issue of SPONDANCE, we not only revisit a remarkable musical work but also celebrate a lifetime of dedication to jazz. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering this album for the first time, this is a release — and a concert — not to be missed.
🎟️ Get your tickets for the National Concert Hall performance on February 28th!
📀 Pre-order your copy of SPONDANCE and experience a vital piece of Irish jazz history.