Jack McLaughlin is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music educator from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His first solo album, The Season, represents a wide range of musical styles, from bosa nova to country rock to acoustic blues. Having studied with renowned jazz guitarist Joe Negri at Duquesne University, he incorporates a strong melodic and harmonic approach to solos in a jazz/blues vein. Much of the rhythm guitar work can be traced to a long and varied musical background, which includes a stint backing up Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Darlene Love. He has also performed and recorded for Carnival Cruise Lines in addition to playing in the orchestral pit for the musicals Pippin, and Jesus Christ Superstar, and Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. For the last two years Jack has performed at numerous festivals with Frank Pedroskey and the Pittsburgh Big Band Legends
Having a Masters of Music (Theory) from Duquesne University, in addition to being certified in Orff-Schulwerk and Dalcroze eurthymics, has greatly influenced his role as a music educator.
Jack has recently released original compositions for chorus, piano and guitar. In February of 2021 he was awarded Third Degree in the Golden International Music Festival for his piano composition “El Tiempe Es Ahora.” (Award ceremony in Vienna, Austria 2021.) He was also a semi-finalist in The American Prize (Professional Choral) for his 2020 compositions “Little Tree” and “In The Garden.” His latest CD project is an original children’s album entitled “Songs For Kids And Cats.” As with “The Season,” there were again contributions from rising opera sensation Anna Lahti on the CD. Currently, Jack has just finished a collection of solo pieces developed specifically for plectrum guitar (jazz).
Among the various venues and events Jack has performed at:
Saturday Light Brigade, Hambone’s Pub, Art All Night, Biddle’s Escape, Acoustic Moose Cafe, Mars Brew House, Spinning Plates Gallery, Carnival Cruise Lines, Java House, Coffee Buddha, Pittsburgh Public Market, Dead Horse Cantina And Music Hall, Penn Hill Coffee House Song Writer’s Showcase, Mckees Rocks Festival, John Anthony’s Restaurant, Gateway Lodge and Woods Spa, Java House, Skinny Pete’s Kitchen, LEAF Mini Golf Fundraiser, West End Light Up Night, Harvest Valley Farm Festival, Carnegie Coffee Company, Keynote Cafe, Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, “Spring Zing” (Baldwin Community United Methodist Church), “Doo Dah Days” (Stephen Foster), Market Square Merchant’s Association Summer Concert Series, Triple B’s Autumn Farm Festival, Lawrenceville Memorial Day Parade, Bloomfield Farmer’s Market, Swissvale Farmer’s Market, Tavern 245, Crafthouse Stage and Grill, “Career Talk” (KQV radio), Cedar Creek Park (Summer Condert Series), City of Monongahela 250th Celebration Concert, Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
If interested in having Jack perform for an engagement, from original singer/songwriter to jazz/cocktail music, please leave info on the contact page.