Speakeasy Jazz double bill this week

THE VERY popular Speakeasy Jazz crew are to host an extra special double header of gigs this week, with Shannon Rowing Club set to rock to the tunes of Speakeasy’s invited guests on both Thursday and Friday night.

The Limerick jazz promoters are to host a “one off, extra gig this month”, which they say they “wouldn't normally do, but the circumstances call for it”.

And do they; the bi-monthly jazz night has been growing and growing and become a firm favourite on the live scene, but this week they have assembled possibly their finest line-up yet, featuring local songstress and harpist Sí, plus Laura Sheehan and the superb Vertigo Smyth on Thursday night, while on Friday night 'The Lyttle Varady Quartet' take to the stage, featuring 12-year old Limerick guitar supremo Andreas Varady (pictured above), who will leave you gobsmacked with his skills.

Sí (pictured above), is a singer-songwriter, harpist and pianist originally from Dublin but now living in Limerick who has performed her devilishly theatrical songs a number of times in local gigs, and been very impressive. Sí is currently recording her debut album with Fergal Lawlor from The Cranberries, due to be released in early summer.

Sí will be joined on Thursday night by 22 year old solo artist Laura Sheeran, currently putting the finishing touches to her own debut album. Ennis man Vertigo Smyth, a firm favourite in these parts, will complete Thursday’s line-up, and show off his considerable skills, which were demonstrated on the rather excellent Future Happiness EP he released not so long ago.

On Friday, Limerick music fans are in for a special treat, as Limerick-residing, guitar-genius and 12-year old Andreas Varady, originally from Slovakia, takes to the stage with his dad Bandi, on bass, drummer David Lyttle (pictured below) and Martin Bencat on double bass. Andrea “comes from a family of musicians and loves jazz, especially the music of Miles Davis and George Benson”, and has a talent that has to be seen and heard to be believed. Andreas plays regularly with The Limerick Jazz Workshops, who continually rave about his performances.

Lyttle has worked professionally with a wide variety of internationally-respected artists, including Soweto Kinch and Dave Allen - and 'The Lyttle Varady Quartet' will be a sight to behold, take it from us. Speakeasy Jazz Limerick takes place this Thursday and Friday in Shannon Rowing Club from 9.30pm.

Photos from the Belltable Sessions last Thursday (January 15)

Opener Emma Small from South Africa. A bit nervous to start, but finished strongly. A song in native African language Xhosa (full of clicks) was a highlight.

Dave Irwin - notably of the Million Dollar Swing band, here laid bare as a fantastic jazz guitarist with a wonderfully soulful voice, reminiscent of Jeff Buckley. Get into that studio Dave.

The Swingettes, special guests on the night, a three-part, jazz vocal, harmony group. Delightful.

Headliner Vertigo Smyth, full of funny throwaway remarks and strong tunes, aided by the double-bass player from the Brad Pitt Light Orchestra (struggling with a name, apologies).

This was the third series of the Belltable Sessions, a wonderfully diverse acoustic night, featuring acts from Limerick and around Ireland, indeed the world. Unfortunately the crowd didn't it justice, people need to get in and see this space, which is ideal for a gig of this nature. Come on down folks....

One seriously cool mofo, plus a seriously good gig..

Pictured above is iconic folk singer and Woodstock legend Arlo Guthrie, who is Limerick (Dolan's) next Wednesday for a gig. EXCLUSIVE interview in the Limerick Leader this weekend.. read about Woodstock and Arlo's solo tour. In the shops now.

Heading to the Belltable Sessions on this fine evening, Limerick's premier acoustic/music-lovers gig.. No mics, no amps, just performers in the spotlight of the Belltable's off-site venue of 36 Cecil Street (the venue formerly known as Red Cross Hall).

Featured tonight are the rather good Vertigo Smyth, the Swingettes, Dave Irwin and South African Emma Small.

On at 8pm, admission a recession busting 10 bobs. For four acts? Come on, you won't do better than that...