Connor Derraugh

About

Connor holds a Jazz Performance degree from the University of Manitoba with a double major in sax and piano. Although his roots are grounded in jazz, Connor embraces many musical styles and like his hero David Sanborn, is passionate about infusing rock, pop, blues, funk and R&B songs with creative arrangements and melodic improvisations.

Connor has been blessed to study saxophone with such amazing mentors as Janice Finlay, Walle Larsson, Craig Bailey (Ray Charles Band) and the '96 winner of the pretigious Thelonius Monk Competition, Jon Gordon - as well as study piano with Glory St. Germain, Nancy Nowosad, Dave Restivo and 2022 Jazz Album of the Year Juno winner, Will Bonness.

Connor has performed at various events including the 2018, 2019 and 2022 Winnipeg Jazz Festivals, the Asper Jazz Series, Rady JCC Sports Dinners, the 2015 and 2016 Jazz in the Garden Series, the 2017 Summer Music Series at the Lyric Theatre and the 2018 and 2019 Downtown Concert Series. In 2020/2021 Connor shared his music in a number of livestream shows including concerts for the 2021 Music and Mavens series and 2021 CCFM Mardi Jazz series. Connor also performs regularly with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.

Back in 2017, Connor flew to New York City to record sax and piano parts for the soundtrack to, 'Best Summer Ever' - a film that features actors and crew with diverse abilities.

A writer and arranger as well as a performer, Connor recently recorded his debut CD with producer Larry Roy and vocalist Cordelia Donovan, Connor & Cordelia 'Acceptance' which he plans to release this winter.