Connell lives his dream

Before a large, appreciative audience in The Central, Navan, Nigel Connell officially launched his new single ‘Dreamer.’
The singer was in fine form as he entertained the crowd that turned up, many of them from his native Athboy.
Connell has put his own distinctive stamp on ‘Dreamer’ a song written by John Farry and the release constitutes another step by the affable, richly-talented singer in forging his own career.
“John (Farry) is Nathan Carter’s manager and a great songwriter and he has always been writing these kind of power ballads,” said Connell shortly before he took the stage at The Central.
“The lyrics of the song are absolutely perfect for my life, I’ve been a dreamer all my life, I’ve been knocking at the door at different genres of music. It was very apt song for me to record and I’m delighted he allowed me to record the song.”
A former drummer with the Daniel O’Donnell band , Connell toured the world with the Donegal crooner but now in his early forties he feels this is his time now for him to shape his own destiny.
“I could see what Daniel was doing and I was itching to be out there myself. I wanted to have the crowd in my own hands,” he told the Meath Chronicle in an interview last summer just after he had finished third in ‘The Voice of Ireland’ competition.
Many were surprised that Connell didn’t win that competition and he used the launch to thank all those who had supported him. “It was fantastic, I really appreciated it,” he said referring to the backing and encouragement he received.
Connell comes from a highly accomplished musical family in Athboy. His parents Margaret and Michael, as well as siblings Bob and Marie, performed at weddings and other functions in Meath and beyond in bands like Two-Plus-Two and Delta Dawn.
At the launch, Connell displayed his superb vocal range with songs such as Phil Collins’ ‘In The Air Tonight’ that provoked a huge response from the appreciative audience. No matter what the song Connell was able to give it his own distinctive touch.
Connell, who performs in The Palace, Navan on Monday nights is working on a new album mainly made up of his own songs.
“We’re going back into the studio with Martin Quinn and Mark Cahill and recording two more original songs so I will have eight original songs of my own and we’ll probably add to cover versions which I’ve already recorded.
Connell pointed out that in the recording business these days singers tend to release singles rather than albums.
“I want to release ‘Dreamer’ on iTunes, You Tube and see what the reaction is then after that if it goes on an album fine if not, well, it doesn’t.”
For Connell it’s about forging a new path his growing troupe of fans will be hoping will lead him to the top, a place he clearly belongs.