Since the demise of RTE Lyric’s Jazz Alley, which broadcast every week from the first weekend of the station’s existence until it was axed at the end of 2015, there has been no regular national programme devoted to jazz. The Hot Box aims to fill that gap with former Jazz Alley presenter Donald Helme.
The Hot Box sets the best of Irish recorded jazz in the wider context of the universal language that is jazz worldwide. It tries to emphasise accessability and sheer enjoyment, and is building an audience well beyond the shores of its home country.
In the second issue we wanted to pay personal tribute to the great Irish musician Louis Stewart who died recently. I feel that whilst musicians around the world recognised Louis’ brilliance, the listening public in Ireland never really appreciated the talent in their midst, excepting a few dedicated guitar fans. The 90 minute show gives us a musical insight and included rare material with the Tubby Hayes band as well as an extraordinary recording with the late drummer John Wadham.
Welcome to the very first issue of The Hot box. In this issue you will hear the young Cleveland-based trumpeter Dominick Farrinacci, tracks from Irish drummer Kevin Brady and his trio, Irish singer Stella Bass, and the new American piano virtuoso Sullivan Fortner amongst many others. Show lasts one hour.
The Hot Box