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 genres and is passionate about infusing rock, pop, blues, funk, soul and R&B songs with creative arrangements and melodic improvisations.

Connor has studied saxophone with such luminaries as Craig Bailey (of the Ray Charles Band) contemporary jazz great Walle Larsson and Thelonius Monk Competition winner, Jon Gordon. As a pianist Connor was mentored by Glory St. Germain, Nancy Nowosad, 3 time National Jazz Awards Pianist of the Year, Dave Restivo and 2022 Juno Jazz Album of the Year winner, Will Bonness.

A busy performer, Connor has appeared at numerous Winnipeg Jazz Festivals, the Lyric’s Summer Music Series, Music & Mavens, Mardi Jazz and at clubs in Winnipeg and Vancouver. Connor has also hit the stage many times as a member of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.

In the studio, Connor has recorded with the Highway Company, Tetyana Haraschuk and Whitebeard. In 2017, Connor laid down sax and piano parts in New York City for the film, ‘Best Summer Ever.’

As a composer, Connor penned the score for the award winning short documentary, ‘I Would Like to Thank My Body’, and composed original music for his debut album – with lyricist/vocalist Cordelia Donovan and producer Larry Roy – Connor & Cordelia ‘Acceptance’, available on all streaming platforms and to purchase on iTunes!