“Harmonically and melodically, Halferty is a distinctive guitarist...” - The Irish Times

A birthday celebration for Ireland's legendary elder statesman of the jazz guitar, featuring a new work by Ronan Guilfoyle written as a tribute to Tommy's life and work, along with a selection of arrangements by Guilfoyle of Tommy's own works. Featuring collaborators old and new, join us to celebrate the life and music of Tommy Halferty.

Throughout his rich and varied career Halferty’s signature guitar sound, tonally heavy, brimming with juicy bebop lines and fat chordal arrangements has been instrumental in shaping the sound of the Irish jazz.

Dublin has always been a ‘guitar town’ with influences from the late great Louis Stewart defining generations of guitar players. The same can be said for Halferty who has been equally influential as a guitarist but also as a composer, educator and mentor to many Irish musicians over the years.

Halferty’s professional career began in the late 70’s, when he featured in jazz fusion bands like ‘Jump’ & ‘Nunn’. From the off, Halferty wove in classical, folk, Irish traditional and rock influences, distilling it into his own unique jazz signature, something that remains a hallmark of his playing to this day. A longer trio stint in the mid ‘80’s with drummer John Wadham and bassist Ronan Guilfoyle cemented his reputation as a world class guitarist.

He has shared stages with international jazz luminaries such as Lee Konitz, Benny Golson, Ronnie Cuber, George Mraz, Dave Liebman and vocalist Norma Winstone. Halferty has excelled in intimate duo settings, evidenced by his long time collaboration with fellow Irish guitarist Mike Nielsen as well as duos with international heavyweights like John Abercrombie and John Ethridge.

“Tommy Halferty's superb duo album with Mike Nielsen is perhaps the finest Irish jazz recording ever made” - The Sunday Tribune

Tommy Halferty has been one of the key architects and foundations for today’s vibrant Irish jazz scene, as well as adding to the reputation of Irish jazz internationally. Celebrate his life and music with IMC this October.