Meath Melody maker much more to say and sing

It’s late night Irish time when I ring Irish musician Nigel Connell for a chat. He’s just returning from a night at the cinema seeing ‘Deadpool’, the superhero spoof. Nigel is somewhat of a superhero himself demonstrated in his running of marathons, usually for charitable causes, and his music supporting issues such as suicide prevention and neurological disorders in children.

Nigel hails from Meath, the ancient home of Ireland’s high kings, appropriate for this ruler of rhythm!

The songwriter and performer manages to juggle his marathon running with his eclectic work as a musician. To most people in Australia (apart from his cousins in Canberra and Brisbane) Nigel was probably best known as the drummer in Daniel O’Donnell’s band but Nigel also works in Ireland as a wedding singer and in his own Pearl Jam tribute band called ‘Pearl Gem’..

Nigel always had a keen interest in exploring every city he visited when on tour with Daniel, including Tasmania, and for that reason he has become well known to many of us here. More than a visiting performer we can happily call the affable Irishman a friend. Not feeling the necessity to change his routine when on tour. Nigel continues his marathon running, wherever he might be, when he’s in Hobart, he utilises the streets of Sandy Bay. Not content with just knowing our roadways Nigel is also familiar with many businesses along the way. The last time he was in Hobart he even had time to pop in to the local village cinema to catch a movie! With his wife of German heritage it means Nigel has an appreciation of German cuisine, especially bakery items, so when he’s in Hobart he lists the Brezel Backerei at Sandy Bay as one of his favourite eateries! Ironically even before he made his first visit to Tasmania Nigel already had a friend who had spent time here doing agricultural work and suggested to him Tasmania would be a place he felt at home!

This year Nigel added another string to his already seriously stretched bow as he participated in ‘The Voice Ireland’. Nigel thought it was time to extend himself even further by doing something different that would benefit his own musical journey, Nigel knows all musicians/performers crave the widespread exposure such programs as ‘The Voice Ireland’ grant. Indeed, Nigel’s experience of ‘The Voice’ has created a buzz with offers of interviews from a number of Irish papers including ‘The Independent’, ‘The Sun’ and ‘The Daily Mirror’. Nigel tells me ‘The Voice’ has showcased him to a wider audience and he is enjoying new popularity with his 16 year old niece who thinks her uncle is ‘great’ and ‘cool’.

Nigel’s album is called ‘Nothing more to say’ but in this instance Nigel has just began, with much more to say and sing.

Learn more about Nigel and his music here …

http://nigelconnell.com/
Paula Xiberras