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.
A Career That Shaped Irish Jazz
Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, Tommy Halferty has been a driving force in Irish jazz since the late 1970s. His formative years included performances with fusion group Jump and the flute, double bass, and guitar trio Nunn, blending elements of jazz, classical, and folk music.
Tommy Halferty has been a defining figure in Irish jazz for decades, known for his distinctive style and deep musical expression. He quickly became a distinctive voice on the Irish jazz scene, forming influential ensembles, collaborating internationally, and inspiring students through his teaching at Newpark Music Centre & DCU.
With a career spanning decades, Tommy Halferty has played a pivotal role in shaping Ireland’s jazz landscape. He has released and contributed to over 17 albums and collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists such as John Abercrombie, Keith Copeland, Lee Konitz, George Mraz, Martial Solal, Kenny Wheeler, and Norma Winstone. His dedication to performance and education continues to inspire generations of musicians.
"He’s absolutely an international world-class player, and to have a guy of that calibre, week on week, producing music on the scene for over 40 years, is an incredible achievement and an incredibly important factor in the evolution of jazz on this island."
– Ronan Guilfoyle
A Cinematic Tribute to an Irish Jazz Icon
Filmed at Camden Recording Studios and Hellfire Studio, the documentary series offers an intimate look at Halferty’s journey through interviews, archival footage, and never-before-seen recordings. Director Peter Moc, an accomplished guitarist and educator, conceived the project as a tribute to Halferty’s lifelong contribution to jazz performance and education.
Moc, whose career spans jazz, blues, rock, and contemporary classical music, ventured into videography during the pandemic. His deep appreciation for Irish musicians led him to embark on this project, capturing not only Halferty’s musicianship but also his philosophy and enduring influence on Irish jazz.
“Tommy’s story is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and resilience of an artist who has shaped Irish jazz for decades,” said Moc. “This documentary aims to celebrate his legacy and ensure that his contributions are recognized for generations to come.”
Watch the Official Trailer
What to Expect from the Series
This 11-part series will explore Halferty’s musical career through in-depth interviews, performance footage, and conversations with musicians who have shared the stage with him. Each episode will provide a unique perspective on his work, from his early influences to his most recent projects.
Premiere & Release Schedule
- Premiere Date: April 30, 2025, at 5 PM (Irish Time)
- Platform: YouTube Premiere (via the Jazz Ireland YouTube channel)
- Release Schedule: Following the premiere, new episodes will be released bi-weekly.
Premiere and Release Details
The first episode, The Early Years, will premiere on April 30, 2025, as part of a special YouTube Premiere event marking International Jazz Day. Subsequent episodes will delve into Halferty’s collaborations, musical influences, and his profound impact on the Irish jazz community.
How to Watch
Audiences can join the YouTube Premiere for a live viewing experience, interacting with other jazz enthusiasts in the chat. Links to the premiere will be shared across Jazz Ireland’s website, social media channels, and Tommy Halferty’s website. (YouTube link placeholder)
Join the Celebration
Be part of this historic documentary launch by tuning into the YouTube Premiere on April 30th and following the series throughout its release. The full documentary series will also be available on the Jazz Ireland website and Tommy Halferty’s official website. News and updates will be posted on Jazz Ireland social media channels.
Tommy Halferty would like to dedicate this project to his parents Patrick and Rose, also his brothers and sisters Patsy, Jim, Charlie, Rose, Sally, Nelly and Bridgie.