UK Blues Awards 2024 UK Emerging Act of The Year nominee ‘Connolly Hayes’ are a newly formed band already creating high expectations and excitement within, and beyond, the blues/rock/soul community, largely on the reputations of the principal members. Jess Hayes emerged onto the South London scene as a teenager having been raised on classic rock and soul by her musician parents and quickly gained a reputation amongst the blues and soul cognesenti. She has also recently enjoyed a 4 chairs turn on ITV's 'the Voice', but more importantly, Jess is finding her own 'voice' with this new project, alongside her friend Frankie Connolly, who himself has gained a stellar reputation as both a great singer and astonishing guitar player. Connolly Hayes aren’t just a duo though, they are a fully fledged band with Richard Clarke, another noted vocalist/guitarist, alongside Beau Barnard on bass and Andy Wilder on drums. Their debut album is set for 2024 release and has already attracted international touring offers based on the reputation of the band members alone.