Jack O’ Rourke

Experience the mesmerising melodies of Jack O’Rourke as he returns to Féile na Bealtaine, gracing the historic St. James Church, with his soulful performance, including some old and new compositions.

Jack is excited to be part of Féile na Bealtaine – eight years since he made his debut there. He and his ensemble with songs from his back catalogue and debut some new compositions.

Jack O’Rourke’s third and most recent album, Wild Place, has received triumphant critical acclaim; it depicts an eclectic musicality with, as ever, strong emphasis on the piano, poetic lyrics and his captivating voice.
The artist pushes the boundaries of dark blues and introspective ballads that are both heartbreaking and ardent, sprinkled with folk, baroque pop, soul, and jazz tones. Jack’s songs are both rooted in tradition and craft but innovative, pushing boundaries subtlety.

Three critically acclaimed albums in, and a nominee for both RTE Choice Song of the Year and RTE Folk Awards, the Cork-born songwriter devoted his recent residency at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris, setting Brendan Behan’s poetry to music. Jack drew on traditional sounds and sean-nós, with melodic touches of Ravel, Debussy, Kate Bush and Radiohead. These new open-hearted compositions combine with the artist’s standards – both modern and timeless, personal and universal.

“One of the best albums of the year” Tony Clayton Lea, The Irish Times

“O’Rourke is a vocalist of rare distinction. The album’s essence is to be found on Sea Swimming – a track that’s redolent of the sort of standards that Paul Brady delivered early in his career.” – John Meagher, The Irish Independent

“Jack O’Rourke  is a captivating live performer – in a manner worthy of lyrical forebears Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits.” The Irish Examiner