Connor Young – Bridging Jazz, Folk, and the Art of Presence

Vermont-born trumpeter, composer, songwriter, and educator Connor Young has steadily built a reputation as one of the most versatile and thoughtful voices in the contemporary jazz and folk scenes. From his early immersion in music to his formal studies in Jazz Performance at Montréal’s McGill University, Connor’s journey is defined by exploration, collaboration, and a commitment to musical growth.

Since graduating in 2018, Connor has become a cornerstone of Burlington’s vibrant jazz community. Whether leading the house band every Wednesday at The 126 or inspiring the next generation as an educator, his influence resonates deeply within Vermont’s creative circles.

Connor’s discography is a testament to his range and artistry. His debut, Flight of the Starlings, is a contemporary jazz record lauded for its “thoughtful and ambitious arrangements,” seamlessly weaving together modern and classic influences. His follow-up, From Me to You, showcases a more introspective, folk-inspired side—self-recorded and celebrated by Seven Days as “a masterful mélange of late-night musings and early-morning affirmations,” blending folk, early blues, and hot club-style jazz with remarkable finesse.

Now, with the release of his latest project, Here’s to Now, Connor Young invites listeners into a profound meditation on the present moment. The album’s origins lie in the Solas Suite—a four-movement work inspired by Irish Gaelic words for light: Réalta (Star), Luí na Greine (Setting of the Sun), Oíche (Night), and Eiri (Sunrise). What began as a suite evolved into a larger exploration of life’s contrasts, guiding listeners from darkness into light and from shadow into clarity.

Here’s to Now is anchored by the dynamic rhythm section of Michael Hartigan (piano), Geza Carr (drums), and John Rivers (bass), each infusing the music with their unique personality and drive. The addition of Ana Ruesink, Ben Lively, Jane Kittredge, and John Dunlop on strings enriches the sonic palette, creating a seamless dialogue between jazz spontaneity and classical elegance.

Connor’s ability to blend genres and emotions is on full display throughout the album. His trumpet lines soar with both vulnerability and assurance, while his compositions invite reflection on the beauty of the present. The result is an album that feels both timeless and immediate—a body of work that rewards careful listening and rewards the soul.

Fresh off being awarded a Creation Grant from the Vermont Arts Council to record a new contemporary jazz album with his octet, Connor Young continues to shape the future of jazz in Vermont and beyond. Here’s to Now stands as a commendable achievement—an album that not only celebrates the art of living in the moment but also cements Connor Young’s place as an artist to watch.