The Shop -EPK
Toronto-based genre-bending jazz quintet
The Shop | Biography
The Shop is a forward-thinking Toronto-based jazz quintet establishing itself in Canada’s contemporary jazz scene. Forged from a deep foundation in jazz improvisation and bolstered by rich cross-genre influences — from gospel and R&B to pop-punk and African rhythmic traditions — The Shop creates music that is both adventurous and accessible. The ensemble features guitarist and composer Bureh Bollo-Kamara, saxophonist and flautist Connor Moe, drummer Omar Gittens, vibraphonist Racha Moukalled, and bassist Carlo Santo Domingo. On May 30, 2025, The Shop released its debut LP Far From Comfort — the band’s first full-length recording under its current name. Built from years of performing the material live throughout Toronto, the album crystallizes the group’s chemistry, blending intricate composition with open-ended improvisational freedom. Recorded live off the floor with engineer Liam Myrie at Redtones Studio, Far From Comfort captures the immediacy, nuance, and energy of the band in performance. Driven by emotional depth and stylistic breadth, the record traverses moods and influences: from the introspective title track inspired by personal growth through adversity, to the lead single Be Kind, which weaves subtle African rhythmic structures with odd-meter jazz sensibilities and a striking rubato vibraphone solo. The Shop’s sound reflects a collective voice that is at once coherent and expansive — music that resonates with both seasoned jazz audiences and adventurous new listeners. Far From Comfort has since been added to regular rotation on Jazz FM 91.1 and Humber 96.9, marking a significant milestone in the band’s national exposure and listener reach. At the heart of The Shop’s identity is performance: compelling live shows that balance tight ensemble interplay with expressive freedom, creating memorable experiences for audiences across settings. Whether on festival stages, club rooms, or concert halls, The Shop brings a distinct combination of musical sophistication, genre-bending creativity, and heartfelt expression.
latest release - Far from comfort
Debut full length album released May 30th, 2025
Radio Rotation: JazzFM 91.1, Radio Humber 96.9
SELECTED PERFORMANCE HISTORY
World of Jazz Festival - September 6th, 2025 - Brampton, ON
Whitby Concerts in The Park Series - July 16th, 2025 - Whitby, ON
Pickering Summer Concerts Series - July 11th, 2025 - Pickering, ON
Riverside Eats & Beats Festival - June 7th, 2025 & June 8th, 2024 - Toronto, ON
Contxt by Trane (Residency) - May 16th, 23rd & 30th - Toronto, ON
Burdock Brewery (With Diskarte & Double Red) - March 19th, 2025 - Toronto, ON *Sold out show*
Division 88 (With Double Red) - October 19th, 2024 - Toronto, ON
Shangri-La (TIFF) - September 12th, 2024 - Toronto, ON
Annette Studios (With Marigold) - February 3rd, 2024 - Toronto, ON
Bar Cathedral - August 22nd, 2024 - Toronto, ON
Island Cafe - June 30th, 2023 - Toronto Island, Toronto, ON
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