David Lyttle launches new jazz club in Belfast

Irish jazz drummer David Lyttle has launched the new Dock Street Jazz Club in Belfast.

Lyttle curates performances by acclaimed musicians at the club every Sunday, with monthly presentations of Next Generation Sounds, a programme highlighting up-and-coming jazz talent.

The performances take place in the recently renovated upstairs room of Belfast's historic American Bar. Once a month, Lyttle also plays vinyl records on an analogue sound system in the space.

The club's first guest was Egyptian pianist Rami Attallah, grandson of jazz icon Bib Henein. Attallah founded The Music Hub music school in Egypt and is considered to be a pivotal figure in Egypt's contemporary jazz scene.

The next performance will be by Ben Falconer as part of Next Generation Sounds, on September 14. Falconer is a 16-year-old clarinettist and recent winner of the Skidmore Jazz Award.

On September 21, the club will host Irish jazz musician Myles Drennan playing "a rare organ led set," according to the American Bar website.

Other upcoming performances of note include British jazz guitarist Phil Robson, leader of jazz rock group Partisans, who will perform songs from his album IN2 with Lyttle on October 26.

Jean Toussaint, American saxophonist and former member of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, will play the club on November 30. On December 7, Lyttle will play alongside South London pianist Ashley Henry, who is known for his jazz hip-hop fusion style.

Tickets for all gigs are available via the American Bar website.