Jack Cassidy to give debut CD release concert

Editor’s note: The following article recently appeared in the Maple Grove Patch and is reprinted with permission from the author, Sheri O’Meara. Jack Cassidy is the son of Alexandria native and Jefferson High School graduate Krista Krump.

Even before he could talk, Jack Cassidy was singing, capturing the attention of his musical parents with his talent.

“He was 2 years old, singing in key with music. It was tough to pick up the words, but the melody was right on,” says mom Krista Cassidy.

Before long, Jack was singing in public. And whether in a leading role in a musical or as a soloist at a church service, his voice began captivating audiences around his hometown of Maple Grove and beyond.

Now he’s ready to sing for the world. At 14, Jack Cassidy released his first CD, “Be Still My Soul.”

“In my 20 plus years as a producer and engineer, I’ve seen a lot of talented individuals come and go, but rarely do I get to experience true, raw talent from someone as young as Jack Cassidy,” said two-time Emmy winning producer Darren Rust, whose Skyland Studio was the site of much of the recording. “Jack has been blessed with a beautiful singing voice that is pure and sweet, and he possesses skill way beyond his years. I believe this young man’s gift is truly special, and needs be shared.”

Jack will perform a CD release concert Sunday, November 11 at 2 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Brooklyn Park.  Accompanists include Jeanne Arland Peterson, Mary Beth Carlson, Brian Brink, Steve C. Anderson and Corey Wong.

The Minnesota musicians accompany Jack on a collection of songs both secular and sacred, from standards like What a Wonderful World to the hymns in the album’s unique Jesus medley (which includes vocals by Jack’s 7-year-old brother, Connor) and popular worship music such as The More I Seek You by Zach Neese.

Minneapolis pianist Jeanne Arland Peterson, 91, plays on Danny Boy, a song she played countless times for Jack’s grandfather, Jim Cassidy, in the 1950s through 1970s at variety shows and special events.

“Jack has one of those voices that you have to hear and see to believe,” says guitarist and producer Cory Wong. “He hears harmonies and melodies in a way that can’t be taught. It’s exciting to see someone at his age sing so musically and pure. Some people are good, some people are great, and some are anointed. Jack is all three!”

GETTING STARTED

Jack took to the stage early, singing with the Cassidy Brothers, a Minnesota group of brothers consisting of Jack’s father (Joe) and

uncles, at the annual Cassidy family Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day shows at Ascension Church in North Minneapolis.

The shows also include mom Krista, grandfather Jim Cassidy, cousins, aunts and uncles.

At age 9, as a 4th grader, Jack had his first musical theater experience in a lead role as JoJo in a Maple Grove Senior High production of Seussical the Musical. Then came the title role in Oliver for two different community theaters, followed by more musical theater.

Now Jack is a frequent soloist at his church, St. Vincent de Paul in Brooklyn Park, and also the vocalist for the Maple Grove Angel of Hope chapter Friends of the Angel.

Looking up to singers including Michael Bublé, Paul McCartney and Grandpa Jim Cassidy, Jack now says he wants to share his gift with others.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Jack is the fifth of six boys, whose musical lineage extends from his singing grandfather through his singing father, mother and brothers. The Cassidys sing together regularly at their church.

“We feel that music talent is a gift that should be shared,” said father Joe. And the Cassidys wanted to document Jack’s voice at this point in time. “His voice will change within one to two years, and we wanted to have something recorded as it is today,” said Joe.

As for Jack, he’ll just keep singing.

“I just love to sing, I can’t help it,” he says. “Nothing makes me feel the way I feel when I sing.”

Jack Cassidy’s debut CD, “Be Still My Soul,” is available online at jackcassidymn.com.

Tags: variety, entertainment, concert, cd