Riff Raft

Come and join Riff Raft for the best of vintage jazz and blues. They are already hugely popular among the swing dance community and have played to packed rooms all over Cork, including the iconic Connolly’s of Leap and the gorgeous Ronnie Scott Rhythm Room during the Cork Jazz Festival.

The band was born last year at the Ballydehob Jazz Festival when guitarist/singer, Bren Ó Ruaidh met clarinetist, Tony Adams and the band very soon grew into a full seven piece. They recently recorded their debut album, ‘Swincopation’ which will be released very soon, followed by an Irish tour.

Bren Ó Ruaidh (guitar/vocals) has been playing on the Cork jazz scene for over fifteen years. He has played with top musicians in New Orleans, London and all around Europe.

Niall Dennehy (drums) is a highly regarded drummer from Cork. He plays regularly with several bands including his own one, The Art Crimes Band.

Liam de Staic (trombone) is an astonishing musician with a wonderful sense of pitch and form. He learned with the best of musicians in Leeds and London.

Tony Adams (clarinet) is a beautifully lyrical player who grew up immersed in the thriving jazz scene of Bristol. He now lives in Macroom.

Dave O’Keefe (trumpet) can play just about any style. While he can play a lot of virtuosic modern jazz, he plays some seriously raunchy New Orleans tones too!

Pat Ormond (cornet) has been playing jazz since the showband era. A huge fan of Louis Armstrong, he recently played in some of the top venues in New Orleans.

Joining the band for their Dublin gigs are sublime saxophonist and clarinetist, Mattie Roberts, and fantastic bassist, Simon Farrell (double bass).


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