London-born trumpeter Poppy Daniels has emerged as one of the most in-demand young trumpeters in a vibrant London contemporary jazz scene.

She’s performed with the ultra-hip Grammy Award winning production duo Blue Lab Beats, and with Daniel Casimir, China Moses, Nu Civilisation Orchestra and such contemporary pop hit-makers as Arlo Parks and Celeste.  

After years building a name for herself and developing her sound Poppy launched her new quintet last year. It’s a project that’s been supported by London’s influential Jazz Re:freshed movement, and serves up a heady brew of jazz, fusion, hip-hop, neo-soul and Latin dance stylings.

Her six-track debut EP ‘Keep on Going,’ released by Jazz Re:freshed late last Spring was One Jazz ‘Album of the Week’ in May. The tunes are bright, colourful and packed with melody and groove. Poppy Daniel’s is a trumpeter whose sound is irresistibly contemporary. 

“A rising trumpet star … mixing contemporary jazz, neo-soul, and instrumental hip-hop” – One Jazz

The post Poppy Daniels (England) appeared first on Bray Jazz Festival.

Shy Mascot are a Dublin based quintet that combines funk, jazz, and hip-hop styles to create a uniquely provocative sound.

Drawing influence from artists such as The Fugees, Weather Report, and Lianne LaHavas Shy Mascot’s music lives in a realm where complex jazz harmony, free flowing melody and interlocking grooves meet.

Varying between boisterous, fast-paced songs to minimalist, spaced-out jams, the band has performed at a range of venues around Ireland. From the intimate setting of the curated sofa sessions in Kilkenny to the rowdy, rain-soaked grounds of Knockanstockan, Shy Mascot are notorious for their ability to impress audiences in any setting. They’ve also knocked it out of the park at Bray Jazz at The Harbour Bar in the past, and we’re delighted to have them back for our 25th anniversary weekend!

The rhythm section, led by Keith Tobin, act as dynamic improvisational trio, and lay the perfect foundation for both Jamel’s fast-paced, hypnotic raps, and Fiadh Rua Gregg’s soulful vocals. The end result is an versatile quintet that weaves between melodious, ethereal spaces, and deep, filthy grooves guaranteed to get you moving!

The post Shy Mascot appeared first on Bray Jazz Festival.

Yurodny throw open the borders between jazz, Balkan groove and Eastern-European folk — spinning wild instrumental journeys through klezmer, gypsy rhythms, and the avant-garde.  

First formed by saxophonist Nick Roth in 2007, Yurodny were a popular fixture of Bray Jazz.  

In 2013, they received the EU Presidency Award as part of an international programme celebrating Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union. They performed to more than 7,500 at the Paris Fete de la Music, and enjoyed a riotous and memorable outing on the main stage at Electric Picnic, in 2015. 

Their second album Evenset was described in AllAboutJazz as “surely one of the most significant releases to come out of Ireland in decades.”

Yurodny return to Bray for this special 25th anniversary Bray Jazz show.

Theirs is a bold, brazen mix of traditional music and contemporary interpretation, afforded a remarkably fluid yet structured arrangement by an ensemble that includes many of the leading figures in Irish jazz, improved and experimental music.

“…triumphant, vibrant and irresistable! ” – The Irish Times

The post Yurodny (Ireland) appeared first on Bray Jazz Festival.

The quartet are made up of pianist Luke Howard, bassist Diarmuid Lally, drummer Dylan Lynch, and saxophonist Denis Scully.

The post O’Regan’s Quartet appeared first on Bray Jazz Festival.

Max Zaska is a guitarist, songwriter, and producer best known for his feel-good blend of modern funk, neo-soul, and indie jazz.

With his band, ZASKA, Max brings his original songs to life with a verve and enthusiasm that is infectious. He’s performed and recorded over the past decade a dizzying array of Irish talent, ranging from Hozier, who was his first vocalist, to Wyvern Lingo, Loah, Tolu Kakay, Jess Kav, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Little Green Cars and Denise Chaila.

Bray born and raised and now living in the midlands, Max Zaska makes a welcome return to his home town and to this year’s 25^th Bray Jazz, where he’ll play songs from his eagerly awaited new album.

He exudes breezy optimism, plays with a smile on his face, and leads a tight big band that’s part funk, part jazz and part RnB, the overall concoction serving up rich slabs of what Max Zaska himself describes as “future soul.”

“…a refreshing sense of fun and mischief, who isn’t afraid to go deep” – The Irish Times.

The post Zaska appeared first on Bray Jazz Festival.