The Workshop is five of the most adventurous and dynamic players and composers on the Dublin scene, peers and frequent collaborators.
Trumpeter Bill Blackmore, saxophonist Chris Engel, pianist Darragh O’Kelly, bassist Cormac O’Brien and drummer Matthew Jacobson are all kept busy playing other people’s music, but this loose-limbed quintet is an opportunity for them to explore their own collective Venn diagram.
Although the group came together in 2017 to write and explore new and old compositions, the arrival of Covid put the brakes on chances to play together in a live setting – a situation that has been remedied with a number of stand out gigs over the past six months.
The band members have collaborated on a range of projects through the years – working together in such bands as the Dirty Jazz Club, Rhythm Method, Origin Story, Kai Big Band and more.