Laoise Leahy

Blending a lifetime of eclectic influences, including artists such as Esperanza Spaulding, Laura Mvula, Beady Belle, Jazzmeia Horn, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Amy Winehouse, Al Jerreau, Herbie Hancock, and many others, Laoise’s music weaves strands of jazz, soul, pop, blues, rock, and electro driven by lyrics concerned with human circumstances and experience, always approached with a spirit of realism, empathy, humour, and hope.

Throughout Laoise’s residency, her accompanying ensembles and programmes will rotate where Laoise will be accompanied by a variety of world class jazz musicians and artists such as her band The Johnny Taylor Trio – Johnny Taylor (piano), Barry Donohue (bass), and Dominic Mullan (drums), she will also perform intimate duo concerts with artists such as Cormac McCarthy (piano, composer, arranger) & Jack O’ Rourke (piano & voice).

She will also be joined along the way by some very special guests such as Paul Dunlea (trombone, composer, and arranger) and Nikki Griffin (voice) with more guests to be announced throughout her residency. Laoise will perform a variety of musical programmes to include original compositions and interpretations of jazz standards and much loved songs with some surprises in the mix! With the spotlight on her rich, soulful, tones in these relaxed evenings of music, Laoise is sure to have audiences entranced.

Cork Opera House’s Jazz Artist-in-Residence is supported by The Arts Council.