Released May 2, 2023

Chris Engel - Soprano & Alto Saxophone
Bill Blackmore - Trumpet
Darragh O’Kelly - Piano
Cormac O’Brien - Double Bass
Matthew Jacobson - Drums

A collaborative Jazz group is a beautiful thing. While a certain focus that comes by way of having a leader with a strong musical vision is sometimes less present, diversity of writing styles and an eclectic mix of tunes can provoke a joyfulness when everyone is throwing different compositional ideas at a given project. The Workshop’s recent recording, simply entitled Vol. 1, has a foot somewhere in both camps. There is palpable spirit of adventure throughout the nine very differing compositions, yet the recording retains a high degree of unity, perhaps largely due to the deeply intertwined professional relationships of the five members, all of whom have long worked together in a variety of other settings.

Read more: The Workshop, Vol. 1 - Review

The Dublin Jazz scene never ceases to surprise me with its creativity, diversity and endurance. What it lacks in financial support compared to other European countries it more than compensates for with its high level of musicianship and increased cognisance of the history and traditions of the music. And so comes the EP from the quartet ÄTSCH into my inbox. I don’t know these guys, but I like what they do. Seemingly led by guitarist Matthias Winkler, the band delivers five thoughtful, well-conceived compositions that delicately but firmly push into a very personal modernity, all while maintaining a firm connection to the lineage.

Read more: ÄTSCH EP - Review

One Day In Winter is the sort of recording that keeps one on the edge of their seat throughout. The trio brings a deep empathy with European Jazz-making on one hand; the sparseness and melodicism, while keeping the tradition of Jazz music at the fore and even making space for Irish traditional elements in the inaugural piece Beata Viscera. But this is no fusion record. The trio have a singular vision, and the many influences are naturally expressed in the whole. This is a piano trio that finds a way to swing gently but stridently through a plethora of feels. No contrivances here, this is real.

Read more: Carole Nelson Trio - One Day in Winter - Album Review

This album shows how much Edel Meade’s vocal style has matured since she first appeared on the Dublin scene about six years ago. She opts for an understated approach, ethereal and with a touch of mystery. Combined with perfect diction and the sheer beauty of her voice, this puts Blue Fantasia in a class of its own.

Read more: Edel Meade – Blue Fantasia - Album Review