Donald Helme takes the lid off the Hot Box once again, and this time he’s digging deep into a special file marked “Jazz in Ireland”. Reaching back across the decades, Donald unearths vintage recordings that showcase both the big names who have defined the Irish jazz landscape and the lesser-known voices who, for one reason or another, seemed to fade into history. Track list for The Hot Box #143 - Jazz in Ireland Feels So Good - Chuck Mangione Taylor Made - Linley Hamilton Coded Remorse - Justin Caroll Sea Legs - Michael Buckley Little Niles - The Kevin Brady Trio Uzac – Greg Lloyd Don't Stop The Train - Eddie Palmieri Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

Welcome to the 142nd edition of The Hot Box with Donald Helme. This episode is a real treat, dedicated entirely to the music of the legendary Gil Evans. We’re marking the release of what may be the final volume of unearthed Evans material, lovingly brought to light by arranger and bandleader Ryan Truesdell. Truesdell has spent years digging into the Evans archive, bringing this extraordinary music to life through his acclaimed ensemble, The Gil Evans Project. Alongside selections from the latest release, we’ll also revisit highlights from the earlier albums. And we’ll hear about the live sessions that once brought this music to the stage at New York’s much-missed Jazz Standard, where it was performed annually in all its glory. The first track of the show is introduced with a snippet from the liner notes written by Ryan Truesdell. Track list for The Hot Box #142 - Ryan Truesdell and Gil Evans Spoonful: The Gil Evans Project from the album Shades of Sound How About You: the Gil Evans Project from the album Centennial Dancing on a Great Big Rainbow from the album Centennial Ballad of the Sad Young Men from the album Shades of Sound Concorde from the album Lines of Colour Gypsy Jump from the album Lines of Colour Laughing at Life from the album Shades of Colour Nettie’s Blues from the album Shades of Colour Orgone from the album Live at Umbria Jazz Vol 1 Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

In this slightly different edition of The Hot Box, Donald Helme takes a detour through the timeless melodies of one of jazz's most enduring composers: George Gershwin. Inspired by the brand new release The Man I Love from British pianist Gabriel Latchin, Track list for The Hot Box #141 – A Gershwin Celebration They All Laughed. Gabriel Latchin Trio from the new album “The Man I Love” Oh Lady Be Good. Fabrizio Bosso and Renato Solani. Embraceable You. Cleo Laine Oh Lady Be Good. Benny Goodman & Lionel Hampton How Long Has This Been going On? Coleman Hawkins S’Wonderful. Gabriel Latchin Trio Love Walked In. Gabriel Latchin Trio I Was Doing Alright. Louis Armstrong & Oscar Peterson The Can’t Take That Away From Me. Susannah McCorkle Jazzbo Brown Blues: Sir Andrew Davis Someone To Watch Over Me: Roland Kirk Summertime: Charlie Parker Strike Up The Band: Errol Garner Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

This edition of The Hot Box features a major re-issue, a remixed and remastered release of Louis Stewart’s quartet album with John Taylor, Sam Jones and Billy Higgins from Livia Records. Originally recorded in 1977, and released in 1980 with some edits and overdubs, this impeccable version restores the original London recording and adds two extra tracks. The results are possibly the best Louis Stewart studio recording, with top level accompaniment from the brilliant supporting trio. Track list for The Hot Box #140 - I Thought About You Litha - Louis Stewart The Sidewinder - Lee Morgan Spontaneous Combustion - Cannonball Adderley Straight No Chaser - Louis Stewart Wagon Wheels - Grant Green All Blues - Louis Stewart Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

This edition has both a tilt towards new material and a tilt towards jazz guitar, with material from the French guitarist Romain Pilon’s new album Open Roads, and from the archive, tracks from Tommy Halferty’s extensive back catalogue. Track list for The Hot Box #139 - New Material Giant Steps: Oz Noy Blackbird: Tommy Halferty with Mike Nielsen Ralph’s New Blues: Tommy Halferty Trio Long Story Short: Romain Pilon Golden Rod: Michael Buckley At Swing Two Birds: Ronan Guilfoyle Ready for Cooky: Romain Pilon Divergent Journeys: Christian Sands Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

The Hot Box #138 celebrates the music of another recently departed musician, “Roy Ayres.” Originally known as a jazz vibraphone player, he rapidly expanded his status and became, some would say, one of the major creators of jazz funk. Track list for The Hot Box  #138 - Roy Ayres Compared to What - Roberta Flack The Ringer - Roy Ayers Searching - Roy Ayers Memphis Underground - Herbie Mann Muscle Shoals Nitty Gritty - Herbie Mann Virgo Vibes - Roy Ayers Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

A selection of some wonderful music from albums released in recent weeks, from concert performances in the 1990s to brand new compositions and recordings both Irish and American. Track list for The Hot Box #137 - New Releases There Will Never Be Another You: Oscar Peterson Quartet from the album “City Lights”recorded in 1994 Strange Taste: Michael Buckley from the album Ebb And Flow recorded in 2024 Fun One: Oz Noy from the album Fun One recorded in 2024 Milestones: Oz Noy from the same album Lion Song: Emmet Cohen from the album Vibe Provider recorded in 2024 Vibe Provider: Emmet Cohen from the same album Christian Sands: Ain’t That The Same from the album Embracing Dawn recorded in 2024 Kelly’s Blues: Oscar Peterson from the album City Lights Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

He was born in 1926 and lived to be just 98 years old, having played in public well into his 80s. Donaldson was an alto saxophonist who began his career as a disciple of Charlie Parker, with whom he played, but, as part of the group of young players recruited to Blue Note Records in the 1950s he developed a more soulful sound. In the hour-long tribute to his music, we sample that great era of jazz, “Hard Bop” in which Donaldson was so important. Track list for The Hot Box #136 - In Memory of Lou Donaldson Watusi Jump: Lou Donaldson: “Here ’Tis" Hipty Hop: Lou Donaldson: “A Man with a Horn” Spaceman Twist: Lou Donaldson “The Natural Soul” Wee Dot: Art Blakey: “A Night at Birdland Volume Two” Alligator Boogaloo: Lou Donaldson “The Scorpion” Polka Dots and Moonbeams: Lou Donaldson “Gravy Train” The Sermon: Jimmy Smith: Blue Note “The Sermon” All tracks are on the Blue Note Records label. Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

The Hot Box 134 is devoted to the memory of the great drummer Roy Haynes. Haynes died, at the age of 99 in November last year, secure in his place as one of the greatest drummers of all time. His career spanned the whole of the era of modern jazz, his first big job being with Charlie Parker in then1940s. Track list for The Hot Box #134 - Roy Haynes Red Rose: Roy Haynes/Henri Renaud: Vogue Records Moose the Mooch: Roy Haynes: Dreyfus Jazz Ah Leu Cha: Roy Haynes: Dreyfus Jazz Hoe Down: Oliver Nelson: Impulse Light Blue: Thelonius Monk: Riverside Bouncing with Bud: Bud Powell: Blue Note Bud Powell: Blue Note Questions and Answers: Gary Burton: Concord Smoke Stack: Andrew Hill: Blue Note Reaching Fourth: McCoy Tyner Like Minds: Gary Burton Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

Welcome to the first Hot Box of 2025. Regular listeners will know that we had a rush of obituary type shows at the back end of last year but we start 2025 with some new material as well as a quick nod in the obituary section again, I’m sorry to say, to remember the great saxophone player Lou Donaldson. Track list for The Hot Box #135 - Some New Stuff Musicians: Yonathon Avishai: Shapes & Sounds; Jazz & People JPCD824005 The Signalman: Sue Rynhart: Say Pluto; mrsuesue records Here ’Tis: Lou Donaldson: Blue Note 5099 5 14371 2 1 Blue in Green; Pat Leary (Live at Midnight Tea When You’re Smiling: Yonathon Avishai (as above) Long Years Ago: Sue Rynhart (as above) The One Who Smiles: Yonathon Avishai (as above) Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

(The Ghost of Christmas Past) Celebrating Christmas and also celebrating the 90th anniversary of the campaign to ban jazz in Ireland, which seems to have failed. Track list for The Christmas Box 2024 Gin for Christmas: Lionel Hampton Swingin’ Them Jingle Bells: Fats Waller Jingle Bells: Benny Carter When Winter Comes: Artie Shaw Christmas Night in Harlem: Paul Whiteman Santa’s Secret: Johnny Guarneri & Slam Stewart Bounce of the Sugar Plum Fairy: John Kirby Wild Party 1934: Fletcher Henderson I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm:Billie Holliday Santa Claus is coming to Town: Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters Freeze and Melt: Eddie Lang The Christmas Song: Dinah Shore It Happened in Sun Valley: Glenn Miller Santa Claus Blues: Red Onion Jazz Band Freeze Out: Clarence Williams At The Christmas Ball: Bessie Smith Snowfall: Claude Thornhill Sleighride: Eddie Higgins Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

The celebrated composer, orchestrator and arranger, and sometime trumpet player, Quincy Jones, died November 3rd aged 91. The Hot Box looks at the jazz contribution he made in the latter part of the 20th century, with tracks from Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole and the man himself. Track list for The Hot Box #133 - Remembering Quincy Jones Rat Race: Count Basie Orchestra Muttnik: Count Basie Orchestra Hicky Burr: Bill Cosby and Quincy Jones Eubie Walkin’: Bill Cosby and Quincy Jones No More Blues: Quincy Jones Big Band Birth of the Band: Quincy Jones Big Band Let the Good Times Roll: Ray Charles The Midnight Sun Never Sets; Sarah Vaughan Joe Turner’s Blues: Nat King Cole Have You Met Benny Bailey? Count Basie Orchestra Rat Race: Count Basie Orchestra Listen Up: Quincy Jones Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

The Hot Box #132, an hour-long exploration of fresh and exciting sounds in jazz. This episode dives into new material from remarkable artists, blending the vibrancy of contemporary jazz with the timeless artistry of legends. Featuring tracks from John Donegan's Irish Sextet, Shuteen Erdenebaatar, and the Jihye Lee Orchestra, the episode showcases dynamic compositions and inventive storytelling. Listeners will also revisit the brilliance of guitar virtuosos Louis Stewart and Martin Taylor, alongside a stirring collaboration from Geri Allen and Kurt Rosenwinkel. It’s a rich, varied playlist that promises to engage jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Tune in and discover something new! Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

This special episode pays tribute to the remarkable life and music of the late Benny Golson — a saxophonist, composer, and arranger whose profound influence on jazz endures through both his compositions and recordings. Golson’s legacy is woven into jazz history, known for iconic pieces that have become standards in the jazz repertoire. In today’s episode, we’ll hear selections from Golson’s esteemed career, including his own performances and interpretations of his work by legends like Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and Quincy Jones. We’ll journey through classics like "Along Came Betty," "Whisper Not," and "I Remember Clifford," showcasing the depth of Golson’s contributions to jazz. So, sit back and join us as we celebrate the music and memory of Benny Golson. The Hot Box #131 Track Listing Along Came Betty: Quincy Jones “Birth of the Blues” Essential Jazz EJC55448 Moanin’: Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers: Not Now NOT2CD344 Whisper Not: Benny Golson “New Tunes, New’tet” Concord 0888072311213 Domingo: Benny Golson “Domingo” Dreyfus Jazz FDM36557-2 Dear Kathy: Benny Golson “Turning Point” Gambit 69250 Killer Joe: Benny Golson “Terminal 1” Concord CCD 2259-2 I Remember Clifford: Quincy Jones “Birth of a Band” Essential Jazz EJC55448 Blues March: Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers Not Now NOT2CD344 Uptown Afternoon: Benny Golson “New Tunes, New’tet” Concord 0888072311213   Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

In this episode of The Hot Box, we revisit a theme from episode #128 where we took a deep dive into the piano files, looking for the slightly less obviously famous musicians but still among the very best in the world. The Hot Box #129 Track Listing 1. Blues in Baxters Pad: Gene Harris Quartet (from the album “At Ste.Chapelle Winery”) 2. Japanese Brunch: David Budway (from the album “A New Kiss”) 3. Ask Me Now: Russell Malone & Benny Green (from the album “Jazz at the Bistro”) 4. Tale of the Fingers: Russell Malone& Benny Green (from the album “Jazz at the Bistro”) 5. Alligator Crawl: Ralph Sutton & Peter O’Brien (from the album “A Stride Odyssey”) 6. My Little Suede Shoes: Gene Harris Quartet (from the album “At Ste.Chapelle Winery”) 7. Wine Wine Wine: Freddie Roach (from the album “Good Move”) 8. Maintain Speed Through the Tunnel: David Budway (from the album “A New Kiss”) 9. Caravan: Dick Hyman (from the album Music of 1937”: Maybeck Recitals volume 3) Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

(Note HB 129 is in production but has not been posted yet so will follow 130) In this special episode of The Hot Box, we pay tribute to the remarkable Russell Malone, a virtuoso guitarist known for his versatility, impeccable swing, and soulful sound. Throughout his distinguished career, Malone collaborated with legends like Diana Krall and Ron Carter, while also shining as a solo artist. Join us as we journey through a selection of tracks that highlight his incredible artistry. From his unforgettable performances on classics like "Sweet Georgia Peach" to his original compositions like "Malone Blues," this episode is a celebration of Russell Malone's enduring legacy in jazz. Enjoy the music, and let’s remember the brilliance of Russell Malone together! Diana Krall: I’m an Errand Boy for Rhythm: Impulse IMP 11642 Ron Carter: Soft Winds: In and Out records LC07588 Diana Krall: Frim Fram Sauce: Impulse IMP 11642 Russell Malone: Sweet Georgia Peach Impulse IMP12822 Diane Reeves: I’m in Love Again Blue Note 0946 3 89658 2 4 Russell Malone: St Louis Blues Columbia CK52825 Russell Malone: You’ve Got a Friend. MaxJazz MXJ601 Russell Malone: Sugar buzz. MaxJazz MXJ601 Russell Malone: He said What? MaxJazz MXJ602 Russell Malone: Malone Blues MaxJazz MXJ602 Tune In: Live Broadcast: Every two weeks on Jazz Radio Eire. Listen Live Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland. Subscribe to The Hot Box: Via Android: Subscribe on Android By Email: Subscribe by Email Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!

Hot Box #128 – Piano and more piano……

Welcome to the 127th edition of The Hot Box! In the last two episodes, we celebrated Irish albums from start to finish. If you missed them, I highly recommend catching up—those shows were packed with fantastic music. This time, we're diving into longer, more immersive tracks designed to help you unwind and savor the beauty of the music. Expect to hear works from the likes of Andy Sheppard, Bill Evans, and selections from the upcoming release of The Dublin Concert, featuring Louis Stewart and Jim Hall, brought to you by Livia Records.

Firstly, we would like to welcome back Jazz Ireland to the jazz scene and without further ado here's #126! www.jazzireland.ie

The all Irish edition of the Hot Box!