The Underground of Happiness

Harp. Double bass. Drums. The Dublin couple next to us wonder if we’ve heard of Joanna Newsom. But you would be put in mind immediately of Alice Coltrane. In fact they play an Alice Coltrane song. Cosmic string washes. Punctuated basslines carrying the weight. Fluttering beats with gorgeous cymbal work. Songs of activism and engagement. Actual jazz. A glorious night in church.

Photo: Bríd O'Donovan This weekend one of my favourite bands, Beach House , played at the Opera House in Cork, as part of the city's Guinness-sponsored Jazz Festival . The Jazz Festival is something of an institution in the city, taking place over the Irish October bank holiday weekend. Over recent years, the festival has broadened to take in both a wider definition of jazz, and also a greater variety of programme. So for example, the Opera House had Balkan big band Taraf de Haidouks, Beach House and De La Soul , while across town in The Pavilion you could find Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and Toby Kaar , among others. This review originally appeared on We Are Noise , at this link, where you'll also find more great pics by Bríd O'Donovan - http://wearenoise.com/index.php/2012/10/beach-house-w-holy-other-cork-opera-house-27-10-12/ In passing through Ireland last weekend for three dates ( Mandela Hall Belfast, Vicar Street Dublin and Cork Opera House ), Bea...