Jack Connolly
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | SELF
Music
Press
“Jack may be one of the best finds ever — great songwriting, wonderful strong voice (not even a hint that he could have used any kind of sound equipment – every tone just rained down from the hall’s barrel ceiling and filled the room) – the soul of a 60-year-old blues musician in the body of a kid. He had the audience in the palm of his hand from his opening song.” - Rose Brooks, Artistic Director, Just Milton Folks Concert Series
“Jack may be one of the best finds ever — great songwriting, wonderful strong voice (not even a hint that he could have used any kind of sound equipment – every tone just rained down from the hall’s barrel ceiling and filled the room) – the soul of a 60-year-old blues musician in the body of a kid. He had the audience in the palm of his hand from his opening song.” - Rose Brooks, Artistic Director, Just Milton Folks Concert Series
“. . . his mature approach and confidence have him emerging as a major player. Connolly plays comfortably and with compelling stage presence, accomplished guitar style, and a winning voice . . . ”
- The Cowichan Valley Citizen Weekend Edition
“Jack Connolly was a major hit at our festival . . . [and was] picked as a festival favourite by many. Jack’s guitar playing is exceptional, his voice strong and unique, and his song-writing skills extraordinary . . . he had the audience hanging on to every word and note.” - Clemens Rettich, Edge of The World Music Festival
“It’s tempting to compare Jack to contemporary singer/songwriters like John Hiatt or John [Mellencamp], but . . . his music already shows more depth than a simple comparison would allow for. With one foot in country, one in blues and one in rock and roll . . . Jack is already ripping it up everywhere he performs.” - Music From Many Worlds, Vancouver Island Musicfest
“Amazing, simply amazing. I hired Jack to open for our headliner on the Sunday of our fair. Jack captivated the crowd with a high calibre performance that was obvious by the deafening applause that followed each song he and his back up band performed and the line up of autographs he had to attend to after the show.”
- Karen Clevette, Vancouver Island Exhibition
Discography
Open Stage (2001)
The Empty Cafe (2003)
Soulcraft (2010)
Photos
Bio
At 26, Jack Connolly has become a master showman and a perpetual crowd-pleaser. From his first major performance with Valdy and Gary Fjellgaard at Nanaimo's Port Theatre, to a Western Canadian Tour with The Tennessee Three, he has spent more than a dozen years honing his craft as a performer, writer, and musician. He has been singled out by the likes of David Foster and has been encouraged by luminaries from B.B. King to Michael Buble. In 2009, Jack Connolly relocated to Toronto, Ontario to join the city’s vibrant music scene. Judy Perly, owner and manager of the Free Times Cafe, recently described his talents this way: “Jack Connolly is one of the brightest up-and-coming performers and songwriters on the Toronto music scene.” His October, 2010 appearance at Hugh's Room validated his talent at one of the most important venues in the city.
Over the course of three full-length albums, Jack Connolly has built up an impressive cache of original songs. From house concerts to festival main stages, he possesses a commanding ability to draw an audience near and to deliver the kind of powerful, entertaining, and emotionally complex performances that turn strangers into instant fans. His latest release, the stripped-down Soulcraft, captures the uncluttered essence of what audiences across the country have responded so strongly to in his live performances.
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