Clare musician lines up EP to aid jazz pianist’s recovery

A CLARE musician has joined forces with leading jazz figures on a new EP to raise money for a stricken colleague.

In 2020, the Irish jazz scene suffered shockwaves after pianist, Phil Ware, was incapacitated by a stroke.

Ware’s fellow band-members in the Phil Ware Trio, Kevin Brady (drums) and Dave Redmond (bass) have joined Danny Healy and Eamonn Linehan to present three never-before-heard songs of his (and two instrumental variations) on the forthcoming “Happy Ever After” EP.

It has been issued for global download through nobetterman [Cat. No. nbm007] and The Fund For Phil from October 22 and the entire session, accompanying booklet and video are available free!

The group is asking music lovers everywhere to donate what they can “to assist in financing Phil’s long and arduous return to an independent life”.

A spokesperson said, “Every single donation will go to the trust fund that’s been set up by his family and friends. Visit The Fund For Phil to learn more.”

Clare man and session producer Lenihan said, “I first heard Phil’s piano trio perform at a jazz open day in Dublin’s Temple Bar Music Centre back in 2003.

“The following year, he proved to be an articulate, informed and entertaining guest on one of my RTÉ radio programmes.

“Later, Phil, Kevin and Dave drove down to my home west of the River Shannon and recorded, under my direction and without prior rehearsal, three tunes from lead sheets in a single afternoon.

“Phil was his usual swinging self, playing with great economy and respect for the vocalist. Kevin and Dave got the vibe immediately, falling into a gorgeous groove.

“Danny Healy, someone I’d first seen playing with Galway’s Black Magic Big Band, provided sublime trumpet breaks for the title track…”

The Phil Ware Trio is synonymous with fluent, swinging and lyrical playing.

It has performed globally with many of Ireland’s — and the world’s — best musicians.

Further info from Eamonn Lenihan — thefundforphil@nobetterman.com or www.thefundforphil.com www.nobetterman.com