Often performing as a trio with a guest musician depending in the music being performed, there is enough headroom for these musicians to weave playfully in-and-out of the song structures into improvisatory territory during live performances, promising a fresh array of sound at each performance. At a Sun Merchant gig, you are likely to hear electric guitar improv or oud taqsim over the synchronised groove of the rhythm section in 7/8 and at other times some straight-up power trio staples. The band is currently recording their debut album, with plans to release a single very soon.

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Stephen McGrath

Stephen is an Irish bass player known as a member of Crow Black Chicken who have performed on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury, released 5 albums and even supported ZZ Top at the Marquee in Cork. He is also the host of his own bass podcast “Stephen McGrath’s Basscraft”. He is very active on social media with a loyal following on Instagram, Facebook and youtube where he posts lessons, interviews and short musical pieces that showcase his unique bass playing style.

He joined Music Generation Tipperary in 2020 and is now the head of the rock and pop department. In this role he oversees the various hubs around the country, runs the rock camps every summer and organises various showcases to give the young bands in the programme a chance to perform in front of a live audience. Stephen completed a performance masters in bass at the Cork School of music in 2023. Artists Stephen has collaborated with are Liam O Maonloi, Philip Donnelly, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Alvin Youngblood Hart.  

Aury Livingstone

Born in Durban, South Africa, Aury’s passion for the guitar was ignited at an early age, being influenced by local legends like the late Steve Fataar of The Flames and Blues guitar icon Dan Patlansky. Throughout his teenage years, Aury honed his skills in the blues and folk-rock genres, performing alongside Fataar and as a soloist at numerous venues. His early career saw him on stages such as the Splashy Fen Festival, Durban International Blues Festival, The Catalina Theatre, the FIFA 2010 World Cup FanFest, and the South African Broadcasting Commission.

Now based in Cork, Aury has evolved his musical focus towards the vibrant sounds of European hot-club style gypsy jazz and Balkan-influenced guitar and the Arabic oud—which he picked up during his recent travels in the Middle East. He is a member of the internationally acclaimed bands The Underscore Orkestra and Mesopotami.

Since relocating to Ireland, Aury has become a respected figure in the World Music and Jazz scenes, averaging over 100 gigs per year. He has performed at notable Irish festivals such as The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, All Together Now Festival, Ballydehob Jazz Festival, and Clonmel Busking Festival, as well as at numerous local venues in Cork and surrounding areas. Aury continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic blend of musical influences, making his mark as a versatile and innovative guitarist on the international stage.