Review: Connolly Hayes – Remember Me
Connolly Hayes – Remember Me
Format: CD – Digital / Label: Independent
Release: 2024
Text: Tom Wouters
Connolly Hayes is a new band on the British blues rock scene, that produced its debut album with ‘Remember Me.’ The band is a 6-piece formation, led by singer-songwriter Jess Hayes on vocals and consisting of Frankie Connolly on guitar and vocals, Richard Clarke on guitar and vocals, Beau Barnard on bass and Andy Wilder on drums. Keyboarder Joe Mac probably only permanently joined the band after the recording of ‘Remember Me,’ because on the cover photo of the album Connolly Hayes still presents itself as a five-piece formation.
Connolly Hayes’ sound is heavy blues rock à la Bad Company with the powerful rock voice of Jess Hayes in the leading role, as can be clearly heard in songs such as Frank’s Song, Something’s Gotta Matter and title song Remember Me. But the band and the singer can also sound soulful, as in Midnight In Harlem with beautiful (backing) vocals and excellent twin guitar work from Connolly and Clarke.
The ballad Tired Of This Love is also beautiful soul with Jess Hayes again in the vocal lead. ‘Remember Me’ closes with a beautiful cover of Stephen Stills’ hit Love The One You’re With, in which Hayes and Connolly share the lead vocals.
It’s not all that original, but with Connolly Hayes the British blues rock scene has got another very nice sounding band and a hell of a singer.
Tracks:
01. Frank’s Song
02. Secret
03. Something’s Gotta Matter
04. Midnight In Harlem (Live)
05. Remember Me
06. Hung Up On Your Love (Live)
07. Tired Of This Love
08. Love The One You’re With
Website: https://connollyhayes.com/