Joe Coughlin
(Canada)
Joe Coughlin played percussion in school combos and a string of garage bands then, in his mid-teens, switched from drums to lead vocals, and by the late 70's, after finishing high school, was busy playing Ontario bars and clubs with his own heavy metal band, Whiteheet.
In 1979, he won CBC's "Search for the Stars" and scored a record deal, releasing a debut album in 1981 "Joe Coughlin".
"Simple Pleasures"- earned him the National Jazz Award for "Male Vocalist on the Year" in 2000. 2007 saw the release of his 5th and finest album, "Things Turn Out That Way", a deftly chosen mix of revitalized classics and brand new standards performed with the rhythm section of Tony Genge, Ken Lister and Buff Allen. Bill Runge plays sax & flute and Mike Herriott trumpet & flugel. Pat Coleman and Rick Salt add a sparkling crisp production.
Joe Coughlin's new live CD recorded at the Cellar Jazz Club in Vancouver, BC, with one of the most swinging trios around featuring Miles Black on piano, multiple National Jazz Award-winning bassist Jodi Proznick, and drummer Dave Robbins is set for release in 2009.
Joe Coughlin was the winner of the 2008 and the 2009 National Jazz Award for Male Vocalist of the Year.
