Probably the main attractions in a promising extended Guinness Jazz Weekend (November 12th-15th) - the main jazz element of the festival - are pianist Dave Brubeck and guitarist John McLaughlin -- although pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, tenor saxist Joe Lovano and ex-Blakey trumpeter Terence Blanchard may prove more stimulating fare.
Brubeck leads a quartet in the Whitla Hall on Sunday night (November 15th) in a concert that will feature new compositions from the 78-yearold pianist as well as the sure-fire pieces that made his name 40 years ago, Take Five, and Blue Rondo a La Turk.
This will be another night to re-run the longstanding debate over whether Brubeck can truly swing. Equally technically masterful is the guitarist John McLaughlin leading the Heart of Things quintet(Nov 12th.), although again one questions whether his fretwork skills mask a want of soul?
South African Abdullah Ibrahim (13th), a truly expressive pianist, brings melody and rhythmical punch to a music that carries traces of Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk, as well as influences from South African popular music and traditional African music.
American saxist Joe Lovano (14th) played Cork a couple of years ago, delivering frantic, manic sets that might best be described as hard bop careering into anarchic free jazz. Exciting, daring, and fun he fronts a trio in the Guinness Spot on Saturday night.
Earlier the same night (7.30 pm) Terence Blanchard, a trumpeter who can deliver controlled emotional fire and lyricism, brings a quintet to the Folk Club. Also on Saturday night the prospect of joy unconfined with the Latin and African dance rhythms of Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca.
The weekend also features emerging New York pianist Geri Allen with her trio and the wonderful Derry reedsman, Gay McIntyre. Not to be missed outside of the weekend is the gorgeous-toned saxist and clarinettist, Alan Barnes and impressive and creative pianist, Dave New- ton duo (20th).
American standards will come from New York vocalist Stacey Kent (18th); jazz, and "jungle grooves and hip hop" (what that?) from J- Life (27th); quality stuff expected from cool saxophonist Julian Arguelles leading his octet (28th); good old blues from Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges (19th) and the Excello Legends (25th and 26th).
