With a few notable exceptions (Alice Coltrane historically and Brandee Younger today), the harp is not an instrument that’s commonly associated with jazz music.

Monaghan born Sorcha McCague initially studied classical and Irish harp at both the Royal Irish Academy and TU Dublin, and was recipient of numerous awards and scholarships from an early age.  

She received a scholarship from the International Jazz Harp Foundation to travel to Rio deJanairo in 2018, and there she developed and refined her performance within jazz and improvised music.

Last year she featured in an Improvised Music Company programme for emerging Irish jazz musicians, and undertook an artist in residence programme at Tinahely Courthouse Centre in Wicklow.

Sorcha McCague’s band include three great talents in contemporary Irish jazz, percussionist Hugh Denham, bassist Eoin O’Halloran and Yuzuha O Halloran on alto saxophonist and flute.

The post Sorcha McCague Quartet appeared first on Bray Jazz Festival.

Jenny Hallahan is an Irish bassist and composer originally from Kildare, now based between Bundoran and Sligo. Her work focuses on original music that blends groove-based forms, strong melodic writing, and open structures for improvisation and ensemble interaction.

She studied performance and composition at the Waterford Institute of Technology and later at Newpark Music Centre in Dublin. Over the years, Jenny has performed extensively throughout Ireland across a wide range of musical settings, developing a broad and flexible musical voice.

In 2020, she released her debut EP This Life with her first quartet. The release appeared on the US jazz charts for nine consecutive weeks and was described by Linley Hamilton (BBC Ulster) as “compositional jazz in Ireland at its very best.”

Jenny currently leads the Jenny Hallahan Quartet, a contemporary jazz ensemble performing her original compositions, featuring Cathal Roche on saxophone, Conor Bastible on piano, and Chad Murphy on drums. Recent performances include appearances at The Model, Sligo (Informal Music Afternoon) and the Hawkswell Theatre (Lunchtime at the Well). She continues to develop new work with a view to national and international performance.

The post Jenny Hallahan Quartet appeared first on Bray Jazz Festival.

The group – pianist Greg Felton, Cormac O’Brien (bass) and Matthew Jacobson (drums) are well known players on the Irish jazz scene – alumni of Newpark Music Centre and involved in some of the most exciting and forward looking jazz projects that Ireland has produced over the past 20 years.

Origin Story’s music is informed by all of these shared experiences and results in provocative and interactive writing and playing, influenced by the origins of the jazz tradition and by the music’s contemporary innovations. 

The post Origin Story 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.

Harbour Bar
Sunday, 4th May. Time 9pm

Funkmeisters Chief Keegan released their debut album, The Piles High Club in early 2024 to rave reviews.

The album showcased the tight grooves and catchy hooks that had made the quartet such a popular live band on Ireland’s music scene.

Featuring keyboardist Luke Dunford, guitarist Mark Dudley, bassist Alan Elliott, and drummer Cian Hanley, the Chiefs keep up a relentless touring schedule and have been a popular feelgood outfit at festivals across the island.

They’re a remarkable instrumental outfit with a funky Memphis feel, that’s both rich and swampy.

The post Chief Keegan (Irl) appeared first on Bray Jazz Festival.