November/December 2008
Toner Quinn talks to John Kelly about music and radio
- Turn it Up: John Kelly
For over a decade, John Kelly has been broadcasting his own distinct mix of music on national radio, first with the BBC, then Eclectic Ballroom on Radio Ireland (now Today FM) and Mystery Train on RTÉ Radio 1, establishing a reputation as a broadcaster who is always at the musical cutting edge, and building a particularly loyal listenership. His current show, JK Ensemble on RTÉ Lyric FM, is a rarity in Irish broadcasting, mixing classical, traditional, jazz and the avant-garde on weekday daytime national radio, and it has just reached its second year. In this interview, Toner Quinn, Editor of JMI, talks to John Kelly about his views on broadcasting, the current Irish music scene, the artists he admires and the listenerships that aren’t being catered for.
- The Long Now
Our society lives on a short fuse. The current economic turmoil and the recent cuts in Arts Council funding demonstrate the lack of a long-term perspective. Michael Cronin asks how our society can escape the tyranny of the moment.
- The Art of the Possible
It is possible now to do almost anything to Irish traditional music. Whether one should is open to debate.
- From great composers to decorative baubels
What is the point and purpose of classical music?
- Too much culture?
In Belfast, culture has been ditched for something much easier to handle: events. But the tenth Open House Festival was able to do both.
- Gurbh fhada muid ag éisteacht le Préacháin...
The corporate cruelty of the new talent shows
- Sunflowers
Jazz in Marciac in the south of France, and Dún Laoghaire’s Festival of World Cultures
- Repeat Experience
How outstanding traditional musicians separate themselves from the crowd
- Joining up the Dots
What we can learn from contemporary music festivals in Portugal and Finland
- CD REVIEWS
Albert Fry / Simon Jerymn / Stéphanie Makem & Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn / Ensemble Avalon / Masters of Tradition / Clíona Doris / Ailie Robertson
- LIVE REVIEWS
Sa Dingding / Cellotronicum / Kraftwerk / John Abercrombie / The West Awake / Sligo New Music / Trad Connections