A REVIEW: Highlights from January-March 2019 with IMC

The inaugural Documenting Jazz conference took place in Dublin in January, thanks to the work of Irish-based bassist Damian Evans.

As part of the discussion on the creation of an Irish jazz archive, IMC had the honour of putting out a live stream of Ireland’s first ever recorded jazz record.

In February, IMC and The Ark produced a show of improvised music for young audiences called 'String Play' presented as part of the SPIKE alternative cello festival. The show was devised from material created and performed by Mary and Katherine Barnecutt for the Fun Size Jazz project last year - a professional development opportunity to encourage jazz and improvising musicians to develop work for children. We had a chat with Mary Barrnecutt and Matthew Jacobson about developing the work and performing for young audiences.

Later that month pianist Craig Taborn impressed all around in an exquisite performance of solo piano at the NCH. Cormac Larkin of the Irish Times interviewed Craig before the show.

IMC launched a new monthly night for Irish jazz called The Signal Series. The nationwide call-out for established and emerging acts continues!

We'll be adding to our 'Live at the Signal Series' video Playlist each month too! Next up at The Signal Series is ReDiviDeR and Aoife Doyle Band on International Jazz Day Tuesday 30th April.

Our SPECTRUM festival took place early in March with a really invigorating programme over 4 nights, in association with Note productions. Here is a Playlist in case you missed it, or want to revist any of the acts.

RTE Lyric FM's Culturefile interviewed Peter Brotzmann ahead of his performance at SPECTRUM Festival - well worth the listen! Plus a video of DJackulate live scratching on Arena Arts show on RTE Radio 1.

IMC and Culture Ireland held a call-out for artists, promters and any interested parties to apply for a bursary to attend jazzahead! trade fair and jazz expo in Germany in April. From applications 6 delegates were chosen and will be joining the IMC team in leading an Irish Jazz delegation at jazzahead! from 25-28 April in Bremen, thanks to the support of Culture Ireland. For artists interested in getting their music heard at jazzahead you can read more here about opportunities for Virtual Reality showcasing and the Irish jazz playlists that will be circulated.

12 Points is going to Amsterdam! The 2019 festival will take place at the prestigious BIMHUIS venue in the Dutch capital 25-28 September

The Artist CALL-OUT continues with a Deadline of Friday 10th May. In case you missed it, listen in to a Playlist of the Irish artists who have performed at 12 Points since it began in 2007.

And in other outward-facing news, Irish band Alarmist have been selected to perform at the InJazz conference and festival in Rotterdam in June, where IMC Director Kenneth Killeen will also sit on a panel regarding the jazz scenes on the islands and peripheries of Europe.

We will also be making a Programme announcement for 12 Points 2019 at InJazz (27/28 June), getting the Dutch jazz scene on board with our festival of emerging European jazz talent from the get go. Musicians - don't forget to apply!