Kieran

Kieran Quinn’s Burt Bacharach theme night hosted the launch of the Sligo Jazz Project last night at the Velvet Room in Sligo. The pianist led a band that included festival director Eddie Lee on bass guitar, with Ciaran Wilde, leader of the Dublin City Jazz Orchestra and Cathal Roche comprising the horn section, the fine band arrangements the work of violinist Austin McManus. The large assembly of singers taking part included Cathy Jordan, Aileen Concannon, Seamie O’Dowd, Joe Hunt, Robert Cullen, Georgie Gorman, and former X Factor contestant Tabby Callaghan. Karen Gordon’s very natural rendition of ‘Anyone Who Had a Heart’ was a highlight.
Eddie Lee made a short speech during the interval. And there were words of praise for the festival from newly elected Sligo Fine Gael councillor Sinéad Maguire. Lee in his speech mentioned that the venue for the jam sessions this year is to be Rafferty’s bar.

Pee Wee

The festival daily jam session programme begins at 6pm on each of the six days of the festival. JBs great tenor saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis will appear at the festival club taking place at Sligo live music venue Fifth on Teeling on Saturday 26 July as featured artist with Italian funk outfit Mob Peppers a gig that will also be followed by a jam session.
Other features of the full printed programme released on the night include a gypsy jazz festival club night with NoCrows’ violinist Oleg Ponomarev and guitarist Fintan Gilligan among those scheduled to play at Fifth on Teeling on Thursday 24 July. The following night there is a North and South Irish Jazz Allstars theme with trumpeter Linley Hamilton and guitarist Mike Nielsen among those taking part. Hamilton will also play a gig at Rafferty’s on Saturday lunchtime with his quintet. SG
Kieran Quinn pictured top left ahead of his taking to the stage at the Bacharach night in the Velvet Room. Pee Wee Ellis photo: David Weimann