Wednesday, February 24, 2010

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.

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