Sunday – Double Bill: Rory Conneally Trio/Cormac Kenevey Quartet

Rory Conneally Trio

Line-Up:

Rory Conneally – Piano

Peter Hanagan – Bass

John Daly – Drums

Rory Conneally is an 18 year old jazz pianist who became the youngest winner of the Young Irish Jazz Musician competition in November 2024, where he delivered an outstanding performance to a live audience and a distinguished panel of judges led by composer Bill Whelan. His jazz piano style draws from diverse influences including Stevie Wonder’s soul music and jazz masters Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, and Thelonious Monk.

Rory began his musical journey at 11, studying under notable mentors including Sligo’s Kieran Quinn, jazz master Scott Flanigan, and Juilliard faculty member Elio Villafranca.

For four consecutive years, he has attended the Sligo Jazz Project summer school in his home county, where founder Eddie Lee’s program allowed him to learn and perform with visiting artists such as Freddie Hendrix, Manel Fortia, and Gareth Lockrane.

Cormac Kenevey Quartet

Line-Up:

Cormac Kenevey – Vocals

Scott Flanigan – Piano

Cormac O’Brien – Bass

Dominic Mullan – Drums

Fresh from his recent collaboration with legendary arranger Guy Barker and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, celebrated Irish jazz vocalist Cormac Kenevey brings his signature blend of smooth phrasing, effortless swing, and wry charm to the Limerick Jazz stage.

Whether reimagining jazz standards, delivering heartfelt ballads, or surprising with clever takes on pop and bossa nova, Kenevey’s performances are always engaging, dynamic, and deeply musical. Featuring long time musical pals, Dominic Mullan (drums) Cormac O’Brien (bass) and Scott Flanigan (piano), this is vocal jazz at its most stylish and sincere.

The stellar quartet takes the stage for this afternoon of Sunday standards and more! Don’t miss the chance to hear one of Ireland’s finest jazz voices up close and live!

Cormac’s first profession was as a Software Consultant working on projects for major banks, stock-brokers and coding a security screening system for the Irish Passport Office!

He is the youngest son of respected Dublin pianist, Chris Kenevey. Even as a child, Cormac was no stranger to theatre pits, darkened back-stage areas, cabaret stages and television studios as he accompanied his father around the city. Complemented by a vinyl collection filled with classic Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Weather Report and Mel Tormé albums, the foundations were laid deep and firm.

It’s no great surprise then, that Cormac abandoned the world of computing after a few short years in order to pursue a career in music. In 2006, he funded and recorded his first album This Is Living – a collaboration with the exceptionally talented Dublin stalwart Phil Ware and his Trio. It was quickly picked up and released by Alan Bates at the CANDID record label in London (home to Stacey Kent and Jamie Cullum). Thus began a career as a jazz singer with a string of critically acclaimed national and international appearances. His second album The Art of Dreaming confirmed his place on the international jazz scene. This also features the Phil Ware Trio, with guest Guitarist Hugh Buckley, and string arrangements by his good friend Cian Boylan.

His tour dates have included locations in London (Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express Dean St) around Europe, and as far afield (if you start in Dublin) as Abu Dhabi and Mexico. During this period he also took the time to complete a Masters Degree in Jazz performance, specialising in the art of Vocalese and in the vocal stylings of hero and eventual mentor, Mark Murphy.

Almost a decade on, with a young family of his own, and having collaborated on many projects including his Velvet Lounge Band in Dublin (see upcoming dates section), many appearances with the RTE Concert Orchestra and countless shows and projects.

“Hugely Impressive.” – The Sunday Times

“Really excellent.” – Donald Helme, Jazz Ireland

kenevey.com