In Hot Box Episode 20 we pay homage to two jazz festivals that present contrasting pleasures to jazz fans over the October public holiday weekend in Ireland. The one celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2017 and is recognised worldwide as one of the major jazz-focussed events in the calendar, the other remains something of a secret, but gaining in its reach and appeal each year.

So listen in as Donald Helme takes into the world of gypsy jazz at Django Sur Lennon, (in Ramelton, County Donegal) and checks out a couple of the headliners at Cork 2017 (well you know where that is).

And in The Hot Spot this time are tracks from Kurt Rosenwinkel and Ambrose Akinmusire.

We are still seeking recordings by Irish pianists, so if you know of any, let us know. The Hot Box is released on www.jazzireland.ie every 2 weeks and can be heard on-line around the world. Tell your jazz loving friends, and talk to us direct with comments and suggestions to

Track List for The Hot Box #020 – A Tale of Two Festivals

Author: Donald Helme

Donald presented Jazz Alley, Ireland’s number one jazz show, on RTE Lyric FM from the station’s first week on air until the end of 2015. “I am not a musician, and have never pretended to be anything other than a lifetime fan with loads of experience and hopefully, good ears.”

More From The Author

• The Hot Box #131 - Benny Golson 2024-11-13
• The Hot Box #129 - Exploring More Piano 2024-10-30
• The Hot Box #130 – Remembering Russell Malone 2024-09-26