Music

Two jazz concerts to catch in Dublin this week

Japanese vocalist Akiko plays a one-off special while The Ollam are at Whelan’s

Classic jazz songs from visiting Japanese singer Akiko

Cormac Larkin's face
Cormac Larkin
Mon Jul 30 2018 - 17:30

Monday, July 30

Akiko Jazz
Arthurs, Dublin, 9pm, €5, arthurspub.ie
Smooth Japanese vocalist Akiko – a big name on the Tokyo jazz scene – is holidaying in Ireland and while here, she's playing this intriguing (and absurdly affordable) one-off gig with local musicians, led by acclaimed contemporary pianist and longtime Dublin resident Izumi Kimura. The heavyweight local support also includes recent DCU graduate Yuzuha O'Halloran on saxophone, DCU's director of jazz performance Ronan Guilfoyle on bass, and up-and-coming Dublin drummer Brendan Doherty. No-one – not even the musicians – knows quite what will transpire, but that's half the fun.

Tuesday, July 31

The Ollam

Whelan’s, Dublin, 8pm, €23, whelanslive.com

Since they were formed in 2012, several of the members of The Ollam have hit the big time as members of cult groovemeisters Vulfpeck, so there will plenty of interest in this ultra-hip trans-Atlantic fusion of trad, jazz and Detriot funk. Built around the haunting sounds of Belfast piper John McSherry, the band also features whistle player Tyler Duncan, bassist Joe Dart and drummer Michael Shimmin from the febrile Detroit scene. Get there early.