Rob Luft

Hugh Buckley

Jimmy Smyth

Tourism Ireland

Belfast Telegraph

A third generation from the Buckley musical dynasty! Saxophonist Leon has followed in the family tradition of saxophone, after his father Michael Buckley and grandfather Dick Buckley; musicians who set the standard for jazz musicians of their generation.

Now in his final year at Dublin City University’s jazz degree, Leon has become a popular fixture on the Dublin jazz circuit, and is already making a name for himself further afield.

We’re delighted to showcase Leon and his quartet at Scott’s Jazz Club as part of our JAZZ FUTURES series where we give the next generation of jazz musicians a spotlight; and a chance for you to hear the jazz musicians everyone will be talking about within a few years.

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We're thrilled to be part of this year's Eastside Arts Festival, celebrating the arts across East Belfast! For this special show, we're running one of our celebrated themed piano concerts, with the theme being Summer! At the piano, co-founder and leading Irish jazz pianist Scott Flanigan plays songs which celebrate all things summer: from sunny skies to warm weather, long nights and even barbecues….but given this is Northern Ireland, the ever-present threat of songs about rain may yet make an appearance.

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When Pat Metheny declares an album was “the absolute greatest jazz guitar album ever made”, you know it’s worth listening to! Recorded in the summer of 1965, Wes Montgomery joined forces with the Wynton Kelly Trio for a series of dates, with this seminal recording occurring at the Half Note Club in New York.

To pay tribute to this milestone record, some of Ireland’s finest jazz players will perform the album in its entirety, sticking faithfully to the arrangements on record. Hugh Buckley will join Scott Flanigan, Dave Redmond and Dominic Mullan for a special one-off performance of this swinging album, which spawned the popularity of important jazz standards such as Four On Six and Unit 7.

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Two of Ireland's finest musicians, Ryan Molloy (piano) and Bríd Harper (fiddle), play their album, 'foinse', in a lunchtime concert at Scott's Jazz Club, featuring the club's beautiful grand piano. The album reflects on and renews their shared musical journey, preserving a collection of tunes passed from teacher to student.

'foinse' (Irish for 'source') is the debut album from Bríd Harper and Ryan Molloy as a duo,exploring and celebrating their long-standing musical relationship as teacher and pupil. Bríd taught Ryan for ten years during the 1990s, when he was primarily a fiddler. Ryan has often described how Bríd's playing has shaped his musical outlook and this enduring influence and musical understanding makes for a recording that traces, reflects on, and renews their shared musical journey.

"They are considered masters of the tradition whose performances balance respect for the roots of the music with imaginative, boundary-pushing accompaniment" - The Journal of Music in Ireland

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For the first time, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann comes to Belfast, and we're thrilled to be part of it! We've brought a unique blend of jazz and traditional to the world's largest traditional music festival, with a spectacular band led by German drummer Markus Strothmann.

Born to an Irish mother and a German father, Hamburg-based drummer Strothmann wrote this suite of music inspired by his Irish roots. Markus Strothmann instilled his compositions with an intriguing Celtic flavour, with a fusion of jazz with a love of traditional Irish music. The deep atmosphere of his music evokes images of the rough Irish Sea, massive coastal lines and distant landscapes of Emerald green.

This is Strothmann's only performance of this music in Ireland this year, and we're thrilled to have it at Scott's Jazz Club!

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Cork-born but now Paris-based; Liv Monaghan’s earliest memories come from the living room of her first family home. There was a record player on one side and an old upright piano on the other. Her pre-school years were full of improvised choreographies set to vinyls of Romantic music.

Weaving a deeply artistic pattern of different creative experiences together to offer songs that pull threads from Jazz, Soul, Folk, and Romanticism to create an alternative, sometimes experimental and essentially poetic sound. 

A lover of the left-behind, of old things, of letter-notes, a believer in the half-light ghosts waiting in the ether to get stitched, strung or typed back up together to make something new. 

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The Rodrigo Almonte Trio reimagines the music of the Peruvian Andes through contemporary jazz and improvisation, blending traditional forms with modern harmonic language and rhythmic innovation. Led by Rodrigo Almonte (guitar), the trio features Aidan Gray (double bass) and Michael McCarthy (drums), one of the most exciting rhythm sections in the Irish jazz scene.

Together, they create a sound that is both deeply rooted and forward-looking, where Andean tradition meets the openness of contemporary improvisation, joined for this performance by special guest American star trumpeter JQ Whitcomb, who now resides in Cork.

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Rising Dublin tenor saxophonist star Hayley Kavanagh leads a seven-piece band in a live performance of Mode for Joe, the 1966 Blue Note album by Joe Henderson which is considered a landmark recording in post-bop jazz. The project is a personal one as Henderson remains one of Kavanagh’s key influences. The septet features a stellar line-up of some of Ireland’s most active improvising musicians: Hayley Kavanagh (tenor saxophone), Paul Kiernan (trumpet), Krists Liepa (trombone), Patrick Lynch (vibraphone), Graeme Bourke (piano), Fionn Ruadh (double bass), and Ben Cooper (drums).

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Guitarist, composer, author, inventor, Mike Nielsen is a lecturer in jazz at the Technical University, Dublin. His three main research topics include, improvisation, rhythm and microtonality. His diverse performance experience ranges from Dixieland—Modern—Microtonality. His unique style is influenced by jazz, classical, flamenco, Irish and world music genres. Featured on 25 recordings, Mike’s most notable recordings are with Dave Liebman (Ex Miles Davis) with whom he has also toured with. As a solo performer he has opened for Elvin Jones and John McLaughlin.

He has played with many international stars, including Joe Lovano, Larry Coryell, Adam Nussbaum, Richie Beirach, Kenny Werner and Sonny Fortune. A recipient of many Arts Council Awards, a most recent one relates to the development of fretless guitar practice as part of his solo performance. His performance-related research includes an MPhil in physics and music (PhD in music and physics) in microtonal guitar design, composition and system development (First Award), the work is featured in The Contemporary Guitar publication by Grammy Award winning microtonal guitarist, John Schneider; PhD in microtonal system development, improvisation and microtonal vocal development; LTCL in classical guitar performance, and he received a Jim Hall incentive award to attend Berklee College (’83 - ‘85). German publishing company Schott, released his book, Precision Timing for all Instruments in 2016.

His current performing focus is on solo guitar and with his current Trio, New York double bassist, Brian Questa and long-time collaborator, Shane O’ Donovan, drums and electronics. Trio Sound Recipes features special arrangements of popular and jazz songs in addition to original compositions.

“I have always loved Mike’s approach to guitar and music in general. A truly unique, one-of-a-kind voice, the music here burns with creativity and passion.” (Dave Liebman)

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TRIO-SKW is a high-energy organ trio blending deep groove, interplay, and modern edge. Rooted in the classic tradition of the organ trio sound yet always looking forward, the band delivers a dynamic mix of fiery originals and inventive takes on standards that keep audiences moving. Featuring Lucas Kelly on organ, Josh Savage on drums, and Bim Williams on guitar, TRIO-SKW brings raw energy, tight chemistry, and a fresh voice to the timeless organ trio format.

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No stranger to Scott’s Jazz Club, Cork trombonist Paul Dunlea makes a welcome return to Belfast! Although at home in a variety of musical styles, trombonist, composer and arranger Dunlea concentrates primarily on Jazz and improvisation. This has furthered his reputation as one of Ireland’s most in demand musicians.

Dunlea has performed/toured/recorded with the likes of Michael Bublé, Cassandra Wilson, Frankie Valli, Liam O'Maonlaoi, Mick Flannery, Richard Reed Parry (Arcade Fire), Bryce Dressner (The National), Lewis Nash, Peter Washington, Billy Drummond, David O' Rourke's O' Rourkestra, Sachal Vadsandani, John Clayton, RTE Concert Orchestra, The Dublin City Jazz Orchestra, The New Irish Jazz Orchestra, The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Hot House Big Band, Freezeroom & Brian Deady. His most recent album, Silfra, was recorded at the world-famous Van Gelder studios in New York.

Paul will be joined by an international ensemble for an evening of hard-hitting jazz: Scott Flanigan on Hammond organ, and powerhouse Slovakian drummer now based in Cork, Tomas Gall.

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We’re thrilled to announce the first ever Scott’s Jazz Club Big Autumn Jazz Weekend, taking place from September 25th to 27th! We’ll have talks, listening sessions, and of course the world-class jazz we put on every week. This weekend pass gets you into every event, but we have a limited number so get one fast!

Friday 25th September: 11am

A special educational show to kick off our Autumn Jazz Weekend!

Discover 100 years of jazz with this brand new educational concert! Join Scott’s Jazz Club co-founder and one of Ireland’s leading jazz musicians, Scott Flanigan with his band to experience everything from ragtime to funk, cool jazz to free jazz, and everything in between.

Featuring some of Northern Ireland’s most experienced jazz musicians and teachers, this concert will be a fun, fast, accessible and informative experience to introduce children to the instruments, styles, and history of jazz.

Please note: although this event is open to the public, numbers are limited due to this event being targeted at schools.

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Friday 25th September: 1:30pm

A special educational show to kick off our Autumn Jazz Weekend!

Discover 100 years of jazz with this brand new educational concert! Join Scott’s Jazz Club co-founder and one of Ireland’s leading jazz musicians, Scott Flanigan with his band to experience everything from ragtime to funk, cool jazz to free jazz, and everything in between.

Featuring some of Northern Ireland’s most experienced jazz musicians and teachers, this concert will be a fun, fast, accessible and informative experience to introduce children to the instruments, styles, and history of jazz.

Please note: although this event is open to the public, numbers are limited due to this event being targeted at schools.

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Friday 25th September: 7pm // Basement

Zak Irvine is a Belfast-based jazz pianist and bandleader originally from Bangor. With a foundation in classical music, Zak has honed his piano technique from a young age, developing a polished and versatile style. Over the years he has seamlessly transitioned into jazz, discovering his passion for improvisation and cultivating a keen ear for complex harmonies and spontaneity.

Already a prominent figure in the local arts scene, he brings a unique voice to local outfits, blending classical roots with jazz influences to create distinctive sounds.

Zak draws a lot of his inspiration from legendary pianists in Robert Glasper, Shaun Martin, Herbie Hancock and jazz producer Kiefer. With a new release of original work on the horizon, and a band featuring some of the most promising new players on the scene, it’s an exciting year for Zak.

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Friday 25th September: 9:30pm//Loft

Join Ireland's favourite Art Blakey tribute band for an evening of hard bop classics from the Jazz Messengers.

Formed by drummer Art Blakey in the 1950s as a collective, The Jazz Messengers occupies a special place in the annals of Jazz music in the twentieth century. Notable for fostering the talents of emerging players Blakey enlisted some of the most significant practitioners in the history of the music. Notable examples are Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson, Lee Morgan, Curtis Fuller, Woody Shaw, Cedar Walton, and Wynton and Branford Marsalis, to name just a handful. Many of the compositions that these members would pen for the group went on to become some of the most beloved arrangements for Jazz sextet in all of the music.

Comprising six of Ireland’s finest jazz stalwarts, Aren’t Blakey perform the original arrangements of many of the most iconic works from the Jazz Messengers book – pieces that overflow with joyful hard bop in a way that is always swingin’.

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Saturday 26th September: 1:30//Basement

Come and hear the legendary story behind Tohru Aizawa Quartet’s  ‘Tachibana’, one of Japanese jazz’s holy grail albums, and enjoy an immersive listening experience of the whole record on vinyl.

This 90 minute, seated session will be hosted by photographer Philip Arneill, author and creator of the acclaimed Tokyo Jazz Joints project, which has documented Japan’s unique subculture of jazz listening cafes since 2015.

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Saturday 26th September: 1:30//Loft

Born from the collaboration of lead guitarist Mateusz Chmielewski, violinist Niall Lynch, rhythm guitarist Nicolas Deschatrettes and bassist Bill Johnston, Belleville brings together influences from Swing, Bop, Gypsy Jazz and Country Western to deliver a foot-taping and finger-snapping jazz experience. For this outing at Scott's Jazz Club, they are joined by Matthew Dowie. Matthew Dowie is active in a variety of styles from rock and fusion to gypsy jazz. Matthew is currently undertaking a Master’s in Music Composition at Queen’s University.

The last time Belleville performed at Scott's Jazz Club the show sold out, so book early for this one!

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Saturday 26th September: 7pm//Basement

Belfast‑based pianist Jozef Dani is a world‑class Slovak musician, celebrated for virtuosic playing and original compositions. Dedicating himself to music from an early age, Jozef’s playing is deeply influenced by Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba and the late-great Chick Corea. Jozef has toured extensively across Europe and has recorded with the likes of Eugen Vizvary, among many others.

Joining Jozef will be George Berrills on bass; one of Northern Ireland’s most promising young drummers, Matthew McCrudden; and one of Belfast's most promising jazz and soul singers, Crystal Dawn.

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Saturday 26th September: 9:30pm//Loft

Bringing the soulful sounds of the Hammond Organ to Belfast! One of Ireland's leading jazz organists, Scott Flanigan, debuts a new ensemble at Scott's Jazz Club. Featuring guitarist Stephen McClenahan and drummer Brendan Doherty, this new project explores some of the classic Hammond Organ trio classics from history by artists such as Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Brother Jack McDuff, and Joey DeFrancesco. Join us for what promises to be a spectacular night of groove and swing!

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Sunday 27th September: 11am//Loft

Had a busy weekend? Fancy something a bit different for a Sunday morning? Maybe need something quiet after a big Saturday out? Join us for a relaxing Sunday morning session of solo piano with the Scott's Jazz Club founder, Scott Flanigan. Scott will be playing some of his favourite melodies, and might even take a request if you ask nicely!

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Sunday 27th September: 2:30//Loft

One of Northern Ireland's leading jazz musicians, Linley Hamilton, has led a remarkable life in music. From touring with The Committments at a young age to a doctorate in jazz performance, from gigs with showbands to leading his own ensembles with world-famous musicians, Linley has done it all. For this special event, Linley will be in conversation with Scott Flanigan to talk about his life, his music, and perhaps even his donkeys....!

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Sunday 27th September: 7pm//Loft

Recorded in 1959 at Columbia Records’ 30th Street Studio, New York, during two legendary sessions, Kind Of Blue is a mysterious modal masterpiece that’s widely regarded as the greatest jazz album of all time. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Miles Davis’ birth, join The Linley Hamilton Quintet as they perform the entire album and improvise around the core themes – very much in keeping with the original spirit. Linley will be joined by some of Ireland’s finest jazz musicians for this special event: Brendan Doyle and Hayley Kavanagh on saxophones, Scott Flanigan on piano, George Berrills and Michael McCarthy on drums.

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Still Waters surfaces a many-layered artistic voice with a distinctive musical vision. Niklas Lukassen’s highly anticipated band leader debut release on Kurt Rosenwinkel’s Heartcore Records, is a radiant display of his combined talents as a bassist, composer and also a vocalist on one track (Luna). His internationally renowned quartet with saxophonist Ben van Gelder, pianist Kit Downes and drummer Francesco Ciniglio, fuses captivating individualists of the jazz scenes of Amsterdam, London, Paris and Berlin into one symbiotic musical organism.

With natural improvisational flow, this unit’s interplay runs like water through sonic river forks into unexpected directions. Unafraid of intentional, suspenseful collision, it produces pounding waves of raw energy. Enriched by artistic contributions from guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, saxophonist Wanja Slavin, vocalist Céline Rudolph & trombonist Geoffroy De Masure, they musically explore the unimagined depths that underlie supposedly still waters.

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Zoe Gilby is a UK based jazz vocalist and songwriter who tours internationally and throughout the UK, performing her original compositions, written with double bassist husband Andy Champion. Alongside the UK’s most innovative musicians, Zoe was selected for the prestigious artist development scheme Take Five edition. Curated by leading London music producers Serious.

Zoe is a creative, compelling songwriter and performer. Establishing critical acclaim with her adventurous approach and influences from jazz and contemporary composers from Kate Bush to Thelonious Monk. A vast array of powerful and diverse projects with a fascinating lyrical content. A successful and charismatic personality who is continuing her increasing popularity amongst audiences, press and promoters.

Joining Zoe will be the house trio of Scott Flanigan on piano, Rohan Armstrong on bass and James Anderson on drums.

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