Made up of two of Ireland’s leading jazz guitarists, the Nielsen / Hackett Duo have a natural musical interplay. They have performed at leading venues and festivals in Ireland such as Galway Jazz Festival, The Glens Centre, Westport Jazz and have been featured on two of Dublin’s leading nights for contemporary music and jazz; Kaleidoscope and IMC Signal Series.
Guitarist, composer, educator and author Mike Nielsen is noted for his innovative performances and research. He has shared the stage with many international stars including Dave Liebman, Larry Coryell, Joe Lovano, Kenny Werner, Kenny Wheeler and the RTE Concert Orchestra.
Director of Jazz Performance at the TU Dublin Conservatory, Nielsen initiated the Masters in Jazz performance programme. His performance-based qualifications include a PhD in microtonal performance.
A graduate of the prestigious Conservatory of Amsterdam, Aengus Hackett has studied with world-renowned guitarists Jesse Van Ruller and Wayne Krantz (Steely Dan). Hackett has performed with legendary USA pianist Bertha Hope, and Irish stalwarts such as Conor Guilfoyle and Tommy Halferty. Aengus has also gained acclaim for his ‘JAZZGate’ series in his native Galway, which featured the cream of the Irish jazz scene.
Press:
“A new age of jazz is being spawned by an exciting and innovative crop of Irish musicians…the spadework was done by pioneering musicians such as Mike Nielsen.”
The Sunday Times
“Mike Nielsen is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s most distinctive and iconoclastic guitar voices, equally innovative on electric and acoustic guitars.”
Sunday Tribune
”Guitarist/composer/teacher Aengus Hackett is fast becoming a pivotal figure of the Irish jazz scene.“
Jazziz Magazine, USA
Aengus Hackett proved himself an ingenious accompanist as he weaved his licks through the complex guitar chords. When he moved into his solo his octave-licks were sharp, clear, like a featherweight’s knuckles.…There were flashes of fire. As on “I Love You,” where he closed his solo with a chord run up the neck that shone like a seam of platinum. “
All About Jazz