Focus
A Glimpse into Irish Music in the 1980s and 90s
In 2011, a treasure trove of music and arts photos from the 1980s and 90s was rescued from a skip outside the offices of the Sunday Tribune newspaper in Dublin. Among the thousands of images were those documenting Ireland’s classical, jazz, pop, rock, theatre, dance and opera scenes. In this selection of 24 photos, we offer a glimpse into the musical life of Ireland during those decades. 
Philip Glass at the Edge of Tradition
Pianist Máire Carroll has recently released a recording of the complete études of Philip Glass on Delphian Records, and gave a complementary concert at the National Concert Hall in September. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
Why We Need to Decentralise the Arts Council
The Arts Council has secured an unprecedented €140m in the government’s 2025 budget, but where will it be spent, asks Toner Quinn. 
Exhilarating But Uneven
'Nobodaddy', a new show from Teaċ Daṁsa featuring American folk singer Sam Amidon, is currently running at the Dublin Theatre Festival. James Camien McGuiggan reviews. 
The Power of Irish Myths and Legends to Speak to Us Today
Singer and songwriter John Spillane has just released his most ambitious album yet, a newly composed folk opera titled 'Fíoruisce' featuring Ríoghnach Connolly, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Niamh Farrell and Nell Ní Chróinín. Adrian Scahill reviews. 
30 Years of Questions in One Hour: An Interview with Martin Hayes
A recording of a public interview with fiddle player Martin Hayes, conducted by Journal of Music editor Toner Quinn at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024. 
Contemplating the Earth’s Subliminal Forces
'Earth Sonnet', a new song cycle by Mel Mercier featuring Caoimhe Ní Fhlatharta, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Mikel Murfi and the MÓNCKK ensemble, was premiered on 13–14 September at the Dublin Fringe Festival. Adrian Smith reviews. 
Change Everything and Continue
The new film about musician and producer Brian Eno, in which no two screenings are alike, showed at the Irish Film Institute on 7–10 September. Brendan Finan reviews. 
The Irish Musical World of Rachel Baptist
The fifth album in the Irish Baroque Orchestra's Irish heritage series on Linn Records focuses on the eighteenth-century singer Rachel Baptist. Brendan Finan reviews. 
It's Time to Listen
Composer Karen Power's new album, '...we return to ground...' is a sonic dialogue between Quiet Music Ensemble and the natural world, released on the San Francisco label Other Minds. Don O'Mahony reviews.