“Festivalisation” of jazz was a gradual process but one that seemed, a few years ago, to be terminal. Luckily, good sense has prevailed and jazz festivals have taken their rightful place in the overall scheme of things. Now Ireland boasts at least 7 such events, most of which are autumnal, including the great-grandmother of them all, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. Started in 1978 and still prospering. In the Hot Box we check out some of the artists and bands appearing in Cork 2019, including headliners Kurt Elling, Linley Hamilton and Fred Hersch. And some less well-known - Airelle Besson, Sue Rynhart and Les Fans Flures.

More information on the headline acts and where to book tickets can be found on the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival Website:

For more information on the Triskel ECM Weekend you can view the Jazz Ireland ECM Weekend Blog Post for an easily digestible preview of what’s on as well as going to the Triskel Arts Centre Website to book tickets.

Keep an eye on the events section of the Jazz Ireland website for more Jazz Events at the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2019.

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 Listing for The Hot Box #051 - Festivalisation

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.”

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