Jazz Guitarist / Electronica Producer
Welcome to the website of acclaimed musician, composer, producer and educator Aengus Hackett.
Have a look around, check out some of Aengus’ diverse projects on the music page, and get in touch.
I am delighted to start a new chapter today in joining the teaching staff at The Irish World Academy of Music & Dance at University of Limerick. I am teaching Javanese Gamelan as part of the BA in World Music programme. Lovely set of instruments to explore and a really cool institution, I am very … Continue reading Teaching at Irish World Academy, UL
I am excited to be going on tour this week in Northern Ireland! Performing the wonderful songs of Joni Mitchell in Belfast, Derry amd Gweedore, Co. Donegal with Suzanne Savage, Johnny Taylor and Rod Patterson. Tickets and more info. here
Galway guitarist Aengus Hackett has honed his creative voice for many years in collaborations with the cream of Ireland’s jazz scene. This is brought to the fore in his trio featuring two of the country’s finest musicians, Derek Whyte and Matthew Jacobson. They have performed at leading festivals and venues such as Bray Jazz Festival, The Cooler, Taibhdhearc and Mick Lally Theatre. Collectively these seasoned performers have worked with international artists such as Kit Downes (UK), Ralph Alessi (US), Sanem Kalfa (TUR), and Irish stalwarts such as Mike Nielsen, Ronan Guilfoyle and Dirty Jazz Club.
Drawing on his diverse influences, Hackett’s music combines elements of jazz, rock and electronica. Hackett’s range as a composer is showcased on the band’s debut album, released to widespread acclaim in April 2024 (Irish Times Top 5 Jazz Albums)
Groovy opening track ‘Ximenyr’ nods the head to his rock background, while ‘Nintendo Wars’ features infectiously playful chords and rhythms.
On ‘Gerrymandering’ the trio’s interplay reaches telepathic levels, with bass harmonics colliding with bowed cymbals, runaway electronic stutters and twangy overdriven guitar.
Central to the band’s sound is Hackett’s irreverent merging of straight-ahead jazz guitar tones with wonky effects pedal sounds to create a tapestry of futuristic textures.
Longterm collaborators, these musicians approach Hackett’s melodic compositions with an invigorating freedom. This allows the music to go wherever it wishes – gentle and lyrical, rhythmic and energetic, and when they take the leash off, in a word…wild.
Expect thrilling music full of groove and melody, with no shortage of surprises.
* This recording was supported through funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media as administered via the Music Industry Stimulus Package 2020 *
“Over 11 strong and rhythmically driven original tunes, the guitarist sounds both sweet-toned and gritty, straight-ahead and experimental; Hackett always seems to be searching for an original line and perspective. An assured and ambitious album that delivers much and, for the future, promises even more.”
The Irish Times (The Ticket, Dec 2024, full article here)
“The interaction between the three musicians is excellent, especially when freed up on the improv side of things. Solid writing and great performances all around”
UK Vibe (Apr 2024, full article here)
“Hackett’s sound makes us think of the style of long time doyen of the Sligo jazz scene Mike Nielsen who is certainly a kindred spirit and with whom Hackett has worked. Tunes make you stick around.”
Marlbank Jazz Blog, UK (Apr 2024, full article here)
“Aengus Hackett is, quite simply, one of Ireland’s premier jazz guitarists.”
Connacht Tribune (Apr 2024, full interview here)
Galway-based producer Penji follows up his acclaimed debut EP of 2020 with his latest offering Future Nostalgia. The seven tracks showcase Penji’s experience as a beatmaker and one of Ireland’s leading jazz guitarists. Created with the support of The Arts Council, Penji explored themes of alienation and humanity’s growing dependence on technology during the pandemic.
Groove and harmony are to the forefront across the release. The title track features a lush guitar loop which unconventionally sits in 11/8 time, while ‘WORLDWIDEWEB’ is an all-out burner, an ode to the live-streamed empty dancefloors of the past few years.
Penji’s influences stick their heads in at times, whether it’s the looming spectre of Aphex Twin toe-tapping in the background or spiky melodies weaving their way through Plaid-like chord progressions. Penji’s alter-ego as a jazz guitarist is mostly kept on a leash, but at times it bursts through.
Returning to his sonic collaboration with UK engineer Bob Macciochi of Subvert Central Mastering (Om Unit, DJ Shadow, Lorn), Future Nostalgia is a sensitively produced LP which brings together diverse styles, tempos and textures in a collage of infectious tracks.
The album drops on all platforms October 25th.
Penji also worked with long-time collaborator AMW Visual on two music videos, which will be out soon.
Niamh Browne, Hotpress (Oct 2023 , read feature here)
Chris Nulty, Headstuff (June 2020, read review here)
Don O’Mahony, The Journal of Music (July 2020, read review here)