During the lockdown we've still been working with some amazing Irish musicians to create online works and musical experiences that you can enjoy safely from home. From the interconnected, experimental improvisations of Piece by Piece, to contemporary jazz at Wood Quay Summer Sessions, to the multi-cultural and family-friendly exuberance of Hotter than July, we've been blown away by the incredibly creative, fun, meaningful, and moving work that musicians have made in this time.
The fortunate thing about recorded performances is that you can catch them later if you missed them, or revisit them now. Brighten up your evening or weekend with some wonderful musical experiences from fantastic Irish artists - there's something here to suit all tastes and ages!
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Jazz trio Origin Story (formerly F-JoB) announce debut album October 15th
As individual artists, the three members of the Dublin based jazz trio F-JoB (now identifying as Origin Story) have been at the forefront of many artistically and commercially successful projects in creative Irish music over the last 20 years. Origin Story are delighted to announce that they will be independently releasing their debut album, ‘Good Friday’, coming October 15th 2020. Pre-order the album on digital or CD from Bandcamp.
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OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS Q&A with Ronan Guilfoyle on Charlie Parker’s centenary
August 29th marks a significant centenary. It will be 100 years since the birth of jazz icon Charlie Parker. It also marks 20 years since IMC released Ronan Guilfoyle's BIRD album. Under the moniker Lingua Franca, that album was a celebration of the iconic music associated with Charlie Parker. It featured music written by him, jazz standards made famous by him and also original music dedicated to him. To celebrate this important centenary, an equally stellar cast of Irish musicians will perform the BIRD album live in its entirety for an online concert on Saturday 29th August 8pm.
Ahead of the performance we spoke to bassist, composer, and educator Ronan Guilfoyle about the long shadow Parker has cast over jazz, his personal experiences with Parker's music, and the original creation of BIRD 20 years ago.
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BAN BAM Commission & Development Award 2020/2021 is a new creative commissioning and career development opportunity open to Irish-born or resident female composers on the island of Ireland (North and South) presented by Improvised Music Company (IMC) and Moving on Music (MOM).
Following IMC’s ‘BAN BAM’ activity in 2017/18 promoting women in jazz and improvised music, combined with MOM’s extensive experience with their emerging artists programme, IMC and MOM are pleased to come together with a commission and development opportunity for female and gender-minority artists across the island of Ireland for 2020/2021.
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The inaugural Young Irish Jazz Musician event, presented by Limerick Jazz in association with Improvised Music Company will provide a platform for the best of emerging young jazz talent (aged 13-18) on the island of Ireland, giving outstanding young jazz musicians the chance to be heard by leading Irish jazz musicians and broadcasters. Finalists in the competition will play with and be mentored by a rhythm section of professional musicians. This is the first of what is planned to be a regular event to give a platform to the best of emerging Irish jazz talent. The Young Irish Jazz Musician 2020 will get to make a professional studio recording, participate in UCH’s Rising Stars Concert, and receive a bursary to take part in an international summer school.
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Limerick Jazz Festival returns in innovative post-COVID format
Limerick city will host a redesigned and innovative Limerick Jazz Festival, in September as organisers have adapted the festival to the new world following COVID-19.
The ninth annual festival runs for the week of September between the 21st and 27th, and will include the inaugural Young Irish Jazz Musician event, presented by Limerick Jazz in association with Improvised Music Company.
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OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS Q&A with Shahab Coohe, Navá
Well-known across Ireland, Navá is a group of young musicians exploring the relationship between the ancient musical cultures of Ireland and Persia. It comprises folk/bluegrass musicians Paddy Kiernan and Niall Hughes, and Iranian-born brothers Shahab and Shayan Coohe. Their performance weaves material from the Irish and Persian traditions into a beguiling tapestry of sound.
Ahead of Navá's performances in Hotter than July online's live sessions on 22nd & 25th July, santoor player Shahab Coohe told us a bit about how the group came about, uniting different traditions, and how he's found lockdown.
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