Tommy Halferty Trio – April 22

Dolan’s Upstairs, Doors 8.45, Gig 9.15

Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, Halferty began his musical career in the late 70s taking Jazz Guitar lessons with Louis Stewart, a world class jazz musician. Some of his earliest appearances playing publicly were with bands such as `Jump’ – a jazz fusion group and later on `Nunn’ – a trio of flute, double bass and guitar.In the early ’80s Tommy Halferty formed a trio consisting of guitar, bass guitar, and drums producing fresh sounds and original compositions.

In ’84, Halferty had the opportunity to play with the great Czech double bass player, George Mraz, as part of the `Jazz Fusion 84′. Later Tommy recorded with Mraz for the R.T.E. Radio show, “All that Jazz and Blues”. The following year, he gave jazz workshops at the Cork Jazz Festival, playing also with the great American alto sax player, Lee Konitz, and later with the great French pianist, Martial Solal. In Dublin Jazz Festival ’89, Tommy performed duos with the great American guitarist, John Abercrombie. Followed by duos by the English guitarist, John Etheridge, who worked with `Soft Machine’ and the great French violinist Stephane Grappelli at the Cork Jazz Festival ’90.

Halferty’s latest project features One of Ireland’s most experienced rhythm sections Dave Redmond on Double-Bass and Kevin Brady Drums, both of which have been recording and touring Internationally for ten years. This trio has to date been performing Halferty’s exciting & energetic new original compositions which feature a blend of improvised music, swing, rock & blues. The trio have proven to be a well integrated ensemble and are one of the most successful groups in Ireland.For this performance they will be performing music from their latest studio recording entitled Burkina and new arrangements of jazz standards…

“Excellent musicianship all add up to a fine lesson in the art of the jazz guitar trio” – All About Jazz