Ronan Guilfoyle’s ‘Life Cycle’

About this event

In March 2018, Ronan Guilfoyle, one of Ireland’s leading composers and jazz musicians, and a major figure in Irish musical life for several decades, reached the milestone of turning 60 years of age. To mark the occasion, Guilfoyle has composed a suite of music called ‘Life Cycle, and has assembled a world class ensemble to perform it.

The group includes Ireland’s finest saxophonist Michael Buckley, Guilfoyle senior’s son Chris, making a name for himself as a leading Irish jazz musician in his own right with his band Umbra, and the virtousic US drummer Jim Black, who since the mid-90’s has played a major role in the incorporation of new sounds and techniques into the jazz/creative music context.

Jim Black is at the forefront of a new generation of musicians bringing jazz into the 21st century. In addition to being one of the most influential drummers of our time, he is also the leader of one of the world's most forward-thinking bands, AlasNoAxis, featuring his longtime collaborators Chris Speed, Hilmar Jensson and Skúli Sverrisson. Based on the foundation of his virtuosic but highly personal approach to jazz drumming, Black's aesthetic has expanded to include Balkan rhythms, rock songcraft and laptop soundscapes. Though he is revered worldwide for his limitless technique and futuristic concepts, what many listeners treasure in most Jim Black's work is the relentless feeling of joy and invention he brings to his performances. Jim Black's smiling, kinetic, unpredictable presence has enthralled and inspired audiences worldwide for over twenty-five years.

“The godfather of the Irish contemporary jazz scene”

 - The Irish Times on Ronan Guilfoyle

“A complete musician and wonderfully fertile composer... Black has produced a masterpiece
of future jazz"

- Andy Hamilton, The Wire

Don't forget: This is a BYOB event!