Desmond Fennell, Anguillara, Italy, writes:Ronan Guilfoyle (‘Contemporary Music?’, November-December) opened my eyes to a number of things. So-called ‘contemporary’ music is merely one kind of contemporary music. It is by the ch oice...

New music on RTÉ lyric fmA new programme of contemporary music, Nova, will be broadcast every Sunday on RTÉ lyric fm from 8pm to 10pm, beginning November 6th. Presented by Bernard Clarke.

Jazz may be challenging and complex, but, rooted in the rhythm, pulse and groove of Western society, it attracts a large and loyal audience.

It seems timely that we lead in this issue with an article that focuses on jazz, for there are many important developments taking place at present in the jazz scene in Ireland.

• gigs start at 8pm unless specified otherwise10.11.05 Crash Ensemble & Gavin Friday, OReilly Theatre, Dublin 110.11.05 Mostly Modern, electro-acoustic music introduced by Siobhan Cleary, Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, Foster Place, Dub

Saturday 23 AprilThe Printing House, Trinity College, DublinDuring the interval of the afternoon session of the first Improv at the Printing House Festival, I suddenly found myself listening intently to the gurgling of water in a pipe again

Is there a connection between improvisation in music-making and the exploratory babbling of an infant? Why is improvisation more often than not group-based rather than solo? Why are improvisational musical therapies so successful?

Throughout the world – from Brazil to Scandinavia – jazz andtraditional musicians are collaborating with exhilirating results.Irish musicians, however, have been slow to grasp the nettle.

Many thanks to those of you who took the time to fill out our online survey. The responses have been detailed and full of good ideas, and we intend trying to bring as many of them as possible to fruition over the coming year.

Barra Ó Séaghdha looks back over the JMI's first three years and suggests possibilities for the future...

Dear Editor,With regard to Declan O’Driscoll’s piece in the last JMI, it really is getting tiresome to read Declan’s little hobby horse being taken out for an airing yet again.

A New Vitality in Jazz.

Dear Editor,In response to the Cork reader whose recent letter (March/April 2003) expressed dismay at Up North! festival’s ‘dublin-centric’ programming and coverage: You mentioned both the Crash Ensemble and the Whispering Gallery as the...

Dear EditorAs an an occasional reader of JMI on my visits to Ireland I would like to congratulate you on setting up the magazine and trust that it will continue.I found Michael Cronin's ‘Silenced by Sound’ coincided with a lot of my vi

Dear EditorWhy does the Dublin-based music media discriminate against Cork musicians?

Dear Editor,The reviews of the recent so called ‘up-worth’ festival seemed to be written in advance! How can colleagues review concerts of other colleagues’ work (with vested interests) objectively? This smacks of hypocrisy – didn’t...

The Forum for Music in Ireland – An Introduction to its Activities.

Gathering the Threads of Improvised Music.

Ronan Guilfoyle’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, with Conor Linehan (piano) and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra (Laurent Wagner, conductor) on 16 August 2002.

Exploring the art of improvisation.

Ronan Guilfoyle previews his Piano Concerto at the National Concert Hall on Friday 16th August, 2002, with Conor Linehan (piano) and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra (Laurent Wagner, conductor).

A look at the current state of reviewing in jazz, traditional and classical music in Ireland.

The Terms of Reference for the Music Board of Ireland, which was established to formulate a strategic plan for the development of the music industry

Dear Editor,Sean O’Broin's article in the last issue of JMI, concerning the possibility of a third-level degree in jazz through the Open University, is very welcome.

For over 30 years the Munich based record label ECM have issued a unique series of recordings which, says Tim Thurston, have not only redefined jazz, but have changed the face of contemporary music.

A reply to Barra Boydell's article in the last issue of JMI on music education at third level.

There are only two things you can say about music, argues RTÉ lyric fm presenter Tim Thurston, ‘I like it’ or ‘I don’t like it’.

Ronan Guilfoyle makes the case for third-level jazz education in Ireland.

Gerry Godley of the Improvised Music Company makes the case for a custom-made venue for jazz.

A review of a new recording by two of Ireland's finest jazz guitarists.

A CD review by trumpeter Hugh O'Neill of a new recording by jazz bassist Ronan Guilfoyle with his band Lingua Franca.

Introducing a magazine that's all about music and ideas.