Dearest friends,

Many, many exciting things are on the horizon. Earlier this year I released 'True Story' and 'Septembertime' as download singles through Lyte Records, and I'm getting ready for some other releases on Lyte, including 'Dark Tales' feat. British piano virtuoso Robert Mitchell, and my hip hop EP with rappers Soweto Kinch, Testament aka Homecut, Rob Broderick and others. More at www.lyterecords.com.

On the live front, I've thoroughly enjoyed tours with Terell Stafford, Way Out of Town Trio, Kind of Blue Sessions and short visits by Tommy Smith and Michael Janisch. US saxophonist and Jazz Messenger Jean Toussaint will continue his regular visits to the island. He'll be back in June, preceded closely followed by British singer Cleveland Watkiss. Following a great tour in April, Soweto Kinch will return for a special show in July at Sligo Jazz Project with my trio. At this point, most of you will be aware of my young guitarist friend Andreas Varady, who's originally from Slovakia but living here in Ireland these past two years. If you haven't seen him play yet then do so immediately! He's only twelve years old and playing at a very high level. We've enjoyed gigs all around Ireland and have many more in the diary. Andreas will be featuring in some of my own projects, including a Lyte Records release with myself and bassist Michael Janisch in the summer, and I'll be playing in his quartet. Check out www.andreasvarady.com. Continuing on the guitar theme, EU star Andreas Oberg drops by for a week at the start of September. This is sure to be one my many 2010 highlights. Following this, in October, I'll be taking 'Dark Tales' to the Irish and British roads, with an all-star band featuring Tim Warfield (US), Robert Mitchell (GB) and Michael Jansich (US.

As a musicologist, I'm excited to announce a new section on my website called 'Perspectives', which features interviews and discussions with some of the world's most celebrated musicians. Currently the list includes Joe Lovano, Branford Marsalis, Greg Osby, Jean Toussaint, Joey Baron and Curtis Fuller. I'll be adding to this as the week unfold, and hope to see you in the nearer weeks.

See you soon,

D.L.