Jazz drummer Lyttle is new fixture

Jazz drummer David Lyttle, the newly-minted Nerve Centre musician-in-residence, says he’s delighted with his new role and that every time he plays Londonderry he leaves feeling great about being a musician.
David LyttleDavid Lyttle
David Lyttle

He said: “I’ve been performing in Derry for almost ten years and have always been impressed and heartened by the city’s love of music and high level of creativity.

“Every time I play in Derry I leave feeling great about being a musician. I’m very happy to be appointed as the Nerve Centre’s Musician In Residence and I’m looking forward to collaborating with some of the city’s musicians, writers and industry up-and-comers, as well as basing some of my international collaborations there.”

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Perhaps best known as a prodigious jazz drummer in his early career, Lyttle has gone on to be described by Irish music magazine Hot Press as a ‘one-man industry’ for his work as a performer, producer and record label owner.

His diverse collaborations range from hip hop visionary Talib Kweli to jazz icon Joe Lovano to Irish recording artist Duke Special, who all feature on his third album Faces recently described by Rolling Stone as “one of the best, robust listening experiences you’re likely to have all year.”

Pearse Moore, chief executive of Nerve Centre, said: “We’re delighted to have appointed David as our second Musician-in-Residence. With such a multifaceted career he brings with him a wealth of experience in multiple fields that he will use in the development of young talent and more experienced artists.”

James Hannam, from PRSF said: “We’re very happy to be supporting Nerve Centre on the second run of this programme, following Neil Cowley’s excellent residency in 2013. David Lyttle is an outstanding artist and we’re looking forward to seeing and hearing some brilliant music.”

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Oonagh McGillion, Director of Legacy with Derry City and Strabane District Council said: “The Musician-in-Residency project is a great legacy of 2013 with the engagement of young people through music.

“There is a huge talent among our young people and experienced artists and this project will open new opportunities for development. Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland are pleased to support this great project and wish David and the Nerve Centre much success.”

Lyttle’s first official engagement as Musician-in-Residence will be during the Derry City Jazz & Big Band Festival as keynote speaker and performer at the Outerwest Jazz Academy in Foyle and St Mary’s College on May 1.

He will also lead a specially assembled group of local and national professional musicians to highlight opportunities in the music industry.

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