A question of taste: Jordan Morrison

Jordan Morrison, 19, is from Ballincollig, Co Cork, and studies business information systems at UCC. He is also the frontman of Cork-based blues-rock band, Crojayn. The four-piece recently released their second EP, titled Sun House. Listen at crojayn.bandcamp.com

Best recent book you’ve read:

Does 101 Rock Hits for Buskers count?

Best recent film you’ve seen:

The best recent film I’ve seen is a German movie called Victoria. I watched it as an excuse for studying for my German Oral. It’s a 140-minute drama filmed in one single take.

Best recent gig you’ve seen:

I didn’t get to see many gigs over the year because I was studying for my Leaving Cert and I was working all summer too. We launched our EP in the Spailpín Fánach, Cork. The three support acts were Andy Killian, Rich City Vultures and Joyride, and are all names to watch coming out of Cork city in the near future.

Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately (new or old):

I found an artist called Nick Mulvey on Spotify a few years ago and he recently released a new album. I’ve been playing Mountain To Move on repeat.

First ever piece of music that really moved you:

My grandmother Eileen Morrison helped found the gramophone society here in Cork city. She was a classical music aficionado and when she passed away she requested that I play ‘Cavelleria Rusticana’ by Pietro Mascagni at her funeral. It never makes me sad when I hear it, though. It makes me think of listening to her pile of records when I used to visit.

The best gig or show you’ve ever seen (if you had to pick one!):

Tommy Emmanuel at Cork Opera House . I’ve seen him play there twice now and I every time I see him I’m absolutely blown away by his impeccable musicianship and ability to keep a crowd engaged with just a single acoustic guitar. Tommy’s playing will give any guitar player an inferiority complex. He’s a genius.

Tell us about your TV viewing:

I don’t really watch TV anymore, except for the odd episode of The Chase while ironing my shirts in the living room. I’m currently watching Mad Men on Netflix. The main character Don Draper has a more rock and roll lifestyle than any rock star… I’m envious, basically.

Radio listening and/or podcasts:

I listen to Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast religiously every week. Bill Burr is the best comedian to come out of the US since Louis C.K.

You’re curating your dream festival — which three artists are on the bill, living or dead?

This question has kept me up for many a night, but I think I’ll have to go for a guitar hero centric festival. My three artists would be Rory Gallagher, BB King and Mark Knopfler. Imagine one big jam session with those lads, class.

If you could change one thing about the music scene in Ireland, what would it be?

I could most definitely write a three- page rant on this topic, but just to keep it simple: Irish people should try their absolute best to support original Irish talent. I feel as if a lot of Irish acts and bands think it’s necessary to go abroad to make it in the music industry. We’ve got some serious talent on this island and it would be a shame to lose it.

You can portal back to any period of human cultural history or music event — where, when, and why?

I’ve been obsessed with ancient Rome since I was around 9 or 10. So I’d love to go back and witness Rome at its peak with Trajan as Emperor. I think this was around 100 AD.

You are king for a day — what’s your first decree?

To be king for another day. I’ll do that indefinitely and always be king.