Guitar Masters Concert

feat David O Rourke Joe O Callaghan Hugh Buckley and Tommy Halferty, Four of the best guitar Ireland has produced are coming together in this special one off concert to perform for us as part of Limerick Jazz Festival,

Our Artist In Residence David O Rourke who was born here now resides in New York and has over the years gained a reputation not only as a world class player but also as an arranger and composer who works regularly with the best jazz musicians form all over the US.

Joe O Callaghan needs no introduction to Limerick and Irish audiences He is without doubt one of the finest exponents of the guitar we have ever produced and iwill his first time playing with David O Rourke. He is also a very talented composer and arranger as well as an top class educator.

Hugh Buckley comes from a very well known dynasty of Buckley/s who have been at the forefront of Irish jazz for over 30 years. He is a formidable force on the Irish guitar scene and runs a regular guitar night in Dublin at JJ Smyths. Hugh has been a longtime friend of David O Rourke’s and is looking forward to this opportunity to play with him

Tommy Halferty was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, he began his musical career in the late 70s taking Jazz Guitar lessons with Louis Stewart, a world class jazz musician. He has travelled the world and played with Lee Konitz, Benny Golson, Ronnie Cuber, George Mraz, Dave Liebman, Martial Solal. He has been guest lecturer at the famous Berklee College of music Boston. At present he is teaching the Degree in Jazz Performance (BAJP) at Newpark Music Centre.Tommy was presented with the “Best Irish performer” award at the Derry City Jazz Festival 2004.”

They will be joined by rhythm section Peter Hanagan Bass and John Daly Drums.

A great afternoon is in store when these four musicians take the stage.

Considered one of the best bands of Latin jazz-fusion in the Canary Islands and Spain, the four recorded works by this group titled Amanece, Mejunje, Materia Prima and The beat goes on clearly demonstrate the instrumental quality of each of its members; professional musicians with a wide range of experience in their artistic careers.

Eight musicians of different influential styles who have combined their knowledge to produce the most authentic rhythm & colours associated with Latin music, fusioned with jazz and polished to obtain their own personal sound; a sound called 'Atcheré'.

In the live performance depicted in the CD Amanece, the band demonstrated their capability of producing a good show, well enacted and in Mejunje they displayed their most Latin aspect; in Materia Prima they incorporated lyrics from their compositions fused with the sufficiently dissimilar styles of their respective members, some leaning toward rock, and others more Latin & jazz orientated. In their latest disc The beat goes on, also recorded live, the band return to their former style achieving  audience participation with the band members on stage.

Their live performances  at  such venues like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Lugo and la Coruña, have shown that this band truly enjoy what they do and know how to display that intensity and energy on stage.
Musical Director Manuel Ángel Lorenzo "Mangui", who also plays trumpet, the flugelhorn and vocals (chorus), the other band members are: Luis Ramirez vocals & minor percussion; Fernando Barrios, tenor, alto & baritone saxophones; Jordi Arocha, vibraphone, percussion & vocals (chorus); Enrique Pérez, piano & keyboards; David Aburto, electric bass & vocals; Jonathan Hernández, drums and Jonathan Olivares, congos & percussion.

Expect some fireworks from these very talented musicians.

Limerick Improv Little Big Band

Limerick Improv Little Big Band is made up of some of the students who have been coming to our Improv lasses for several years which includes its founder Ed Hansom who has done so much for jazz education in Limerick and the Midwest It will be directed by one of Limerick’s most well know musicians, arranger/composer Bryan Meehan and will feature some great numbers from the big band era.

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