2026
Magy's Farm are proud to present Tommy Halferty Trio, live in session.
About the session
I can't believe we have done nearly a hundred gigs at Magy's Farm and we hadn't had guitar legend Tommy Halferty. Hailing from Derry originally but having moved to Dublin decades ago and a regular relationship with France, it felt more like a welcoming home party. A highly respected man not just guitarist, renowned for his work with Norma Winstone among others, a true giant of jazz in Ireland and someone who has spent years passing on his wisdom to younger players, such as the two that joined him on the night, Cormac O'Brien bass and Greg Felton piano. I guess that is what the very definition of what greatness is...attaining the standard yourself then sharing it with the future generations to ensure the baton is handed over, allowing the musicians following on to tow on the back of the knowledge you have shared but encouraging them to go on to be the best versions of themselves with their own energy and originality, that was heavily influenced by your communion with them. Thank you Tommy, we all owe you such a debt of gratitude. Cormac and Greg of course are no strangers here and we were thrilled to welcome them back. Both massive forces of positivity, both committed educators in their own right, and both at the top of their game on their own instruments in Ireland. Well they certainly performed on the night. It's always obvious when musicians put the work on to internalise sets which aren't their own so that they can push the music on, not hold it back...bring their own thing to the party in terms of presence, groove, energy and sheer imagination in the improvisations they weave into the music. Well done lads, you did it again. The music though was Tommy's, compositions and arrangements that crossed over styles and timeframes, with the fire and energy of a 30-year-old, not a man of 80!!! Yes 80...the man is a legend...a phenomenal presence, a humorous raconteur, a ridiculous guitarist, and it was such an honour to have him here.