by Rose Rushe
LOOK back in elation.. with perhaps a tinge of disbelief? The ‘hit’ factor to Limerick Jazz Festival 2014 was such that its exhausted, able committee’s only problem now is to “how do we top this?” – looking into years of stoking this bonfire glory.
Securing Van the Man to rocket launch the four days on Thursday 25 with a set at UCH was a canny move, international headlines ensuring a neon light over Limerick from when news first issued.
Van Morrison and his excellent band, Limerick guitarist David Keary included, punched a hole through any doubts that this ambitious festival could be oversold and underwhelming.
Photo: Sal Conte
No. 69 O’Connell Street was another packed, sell out house on Friday 26 with Dublin City Jazz Orchestra leading cabaret style into ‘The Sacred Music of Duke Ellington’. Across town by the river, Dolan’s Warehouse was ideal venue for old pal of Limerick Jazz Society, Nigel Mooney, back with his seven-piece band, unique tenor and new music to vitiate the old.
Indeed, Dolan’s emerged time and time again as trustworthy niche. Another highlight was Richie Buckley and Julian Siegel outpacing each other upstairs on sax – and this family run bar/warehouse provided gentle downtown for bands on the run from too much excitement.
Lime Tree played another blinder with its acoustic-perfecting facilities and room for the ecstasy to which a seasoned David Sanborn moved his crowds with sax.
Yes, indeed, brass, and saxophone specifically, was the true note of these crazy days that culminated with the Crisis Point Big Band (John Daly on drums doing the unheard of, leading from behind what sounded like 40 drums and cymbals playing simultaneously). Siegel, Buckley and then Bryan Meehan shored up the excellent trombone and bass. Vocalists Keith McDonald and Conor J Ryan contrasted and complemented each other in a three-hour mash that sung out over the river from Clarion’s glass box platform.
Done? Not on your high nellie. An 18-piece big band, with the indefatigably charming Conor J, built on the expression of joy with a late, great gig for those left standing.
Limerick, its outstanding jazz festival team (Gerry Kirby, Tony Bradley, Giussepe Torre, Ed Hansom, Deirdre Wilson, Robert Hernan; special mention to Birgit Berhenne on design, Joe O’Brien for media), the brilliant axis of venues and jazz trail that swept from Hunt Museum to Carnegie building, lit a burning blaze on the international music scene.
