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Scene News GREG WHELAN Another packed month in th
e Dublin Jazz Scene, as Christmas fast approaches. JAZZ Improvised Music Company DANA MASTERS GIGS In one of our highlights for this month, the extraordinary RTÉ Concert Orchestra Big Band will return to the National Concert Hall on December 6th, where they will be joined by two of IMC’s 30/30 artists, Dana Masters as lead vocalist and Cormac McCarthy as conductor. This is set to be a stunning show offering a rare chance to see a live performance of Duke Ellington’s reworking of The Nutcracker into a jazz classic, with Billy Strayhorn as arranger. Dana Masters is an exceptional vocalist who pours her passion and creativity into her performances, and Cormac McCarthy is one of the country’s most in-demand composers, who boasts a diverse and extensive musical background. Cormac will also release his solo album On The Other Hand in early December following his single launch gig with IMC last month. As always, Arthur’s Blues and Jazz Club on Thomas Street has a stacked month ahead for music lovers. We’re very excited for the RBG Trio on December 10th, a collective of three of Ireland’s leading jazz artists fusing freeform composition with classic sounds. The trio is comprised of top musicians including IMC’s 30/30 artist and acclaimed saxophonist Meilana Gillard, and the much-lauded rhythm section of Kevin Brady on drums and Dave Redmond on bass. They’re gearing up towards a big release in the new year, so this show is not one to miss! Keep an eye on Arthur’s social media channels for their famous residencies and Dirty Jazz Club shows over the holiday season. Be sure to mark Nov 26th on the calendar when improvisational and traditional outfit Cuar, founded by Neil Ó Lochlainn, take to the stage at The Complex in Dublin 7, a stone’s throw from the city centre! They will be performing compositions from their eagerly anticipated new album in a new creative space for Jazz music at The Complex. See improvisedmusic.ie for updates. NEIL Ó LOCHLAINN NOV 26TH Soak in the cosy Christmas season at Searsons on Baggot Street with live music from Felim Gormley (The Commitments) and the Zanzibar Quartet every Sunday from 6pm. And if Sundays on Baggot Street don’t suit, fear not! Bar Eile has you covered every Thursday with live jazz from the Lounge Quintet from 8pm. What better way to wind down before the weekend? PAGE 42 RGB TRIO DEC 10TH Veteran guitarist Hugh Buckley continues his residency at The House in Howth with wonderful special guests on the first Wednesday of each month! Keep an eye on Hugh’s social media channels for his guest performer on Dec 7th from 7pm. Ben Prevo continues his weekly open jam sessions Songs In The Long Room every Tuesday at 8pm in Grainger’s, Hanlon’s Corner, Dublin 7. Stay up-to-date with our friends at Dublin Jazz Co-op on their social media channels for the latest announcements on their exciting musician-led concert series. LATEST RELEASES Livia Records are gearing up for their first release with a new edition of the Louis Stewart’s classic album Out On His Own, featuring unreleased tracks and remastered versions of favourites. Nigel Mooney released his album Mooney’s Blues, which boasts meticulous attention to musical detail and received a four-star review from The Irish Times. Dublin-based quartet ÄTSCH mix post-rock soundscapes with improvisation on their latest album ÄTSCH III, which they release on November 20th. Their tour kicks off after their launch show in The Workman’s Club on November 20th, so watch out for more announcements.