John Kelly’s show on Lyric FM this afternoon made me do something that I haven’t done since I was 15- pick up a pen and frantically begin to write down the tracks that he was playing. Kelly presented Mystery Train on RTÉ Radio One a few years back- a show which introduced me to Gil Scott-Heron, amongst others- and his Lyric FM offering-The JK Ensemble is equally as good as its predecessor. Though many DJs strive for eclecticity, Kelly hits the proverbial nail on the head. His tastes emcompass jazz, classical, folk, blues, swing, ambient, roots, spoken word, hip hop and more. While the music alone makes the show worthwhile, it’s Kelly’s attitude that makes it sublime. Though The JK Ensemble is broadcast between 2.30 and 4.30 pm, it retains Mystery Train’s aura of late night coffee-drinking and cigarette smoke. Kelly never preaches, only recommends. Gently nudging, softly advising, The JK Ensemble pushes ears and minds to horizons never thought possible.

Listen to the podcast, if only for the glory that is ‘Ouses Ouses Ouses.’

Ailbhe Malone is 21 years old. Her father told her the other day that she was 'going to change the world'. She remains sceptical.
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