Cormac Kenevey
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, Cormac has released his new album Turning Skies.
The new record pays tribute to the stylings of his many influencers as a jazz singer and features new lyrics to music by Brad Mehldau and Irish composer Julien Colarossi. The band features the wonderful Johnny Taylor (piano) Damian Evans (bass) and Dominic Mullan (drums).