Ray McLoughlin Quintet gig launches 2022 LLPS at Greville Arms

The Westmeath Local Live Performance Scheme (LLPS) launched last Thursday in The Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar with an evening of jazz and blues music by the Ray McLoughlin Quintet.

The LLPS is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Westmeath County Council, and local jazz and blues enthusiasts, as well as those new to this genre of music, had an opportunity to attend an informal pre-show workshop with the musicians at 5pm on Thursday.

Young saxophonists, percussionists and guitarists were among the attendees as band members offered guidance on how to approach jazz music, instrumental techniques, and approaches to rehearsals and performances. That was followed by a brief discussion on employment in the music performance industry. The attendees were also treated to a brief preview performance.

The second part of the evening commenced with soloist Danny Sheerin, a full-time session singer and rarely has the opportunity to showcase his own work. Danny performed well known tunes and debuted some of his own original music accompanied by Ray McLoughlin on keys.

The evening continued with the Ray McLoughlin Quintet – Robbie Casserly on drums, John Byrne on saxophone, James Blennerhassett on bass, Paulie Martin on guitar, and Ray McLoughlin on organs/keys.

The musicians have played with some of the biggest artists and shows in the world; Riverdance, The Rolling Stones, Mary Black, Mark Knopfler, Mary Coughlan, Derek Ryan, Nathan Carter, and others.

The band performed a full programme of original blues and jazz music alongside familiar hits.

The Greville Arms Hotel provided an atmospheric setting for the event and the Ray McLoughlin Quintet delivered an entertaining evening of great local music to their audience.

The LLPS scheme continued throughout the weekend with performance at the Westmeath Bachelor Festival and The Railway Rest, Moate, and continues throughout May and June.