Mark Murphy, Cork Jazz Festival director: 'The energy just has to be witnessed'

Appointed last year as director of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Murphy outlines his plans for the event 

Guinness Cork Jazz Festival director Mark Murphy. Picture: Darragh Kane

Mark Murphy was appointed festival director of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival in 2021, after building a reputation for many years as a promoter of quality music. Also a musician and DJ, as part of the Choice Cuts organisation in Dublin, he has brought dozens of jazz, soul and hip hop acts to Ireland. 

Des O’Driscoll: With Choice Cuts’ bookings through the years, the emphasis seems to be on quality acts that might not necessarily be a huge commercial draw. Can you explain the philosophy behind it all?