Cool Jack’s sunshine songs give feelgood factor to Marquee

IT was music to suit the weather. Jack Johnson’s sunshine songs brought a feelgood factor to a balmy night.

Making his Marquee debut in front of more than 4,000 Corkonians, Johnson delivered an intimate gig that, at times, felt like a relaxing sing-song around a beach campfire with friends. His music conjures up images of a Hawaiian paradise, of surfers singing after a day on the waves. Like most great artists, his songs are a reflection of his own life.

He was born and raised on the island of Oahu, and at the age of 17 became the youngest invitee to make the finals of the Pipeline Masters, one of surfing’s most prestigious events.

The accident became the inspiration for his hit song Drink the Water.

He rewarded the crowds with his full repertoire, combining laid-back acoustic instrumentation with hints of reggae and hip-hop. He has what many of his own idols possessed — he’s cool.

Last night, he combined his most popular songs — Upside Down, Banana Pancakes, Bubble Toes, Fortunate Fool, and Breakdown — with some of his lesser-known works.

He saved his biggest hit for last, Better Together, and the audience swayed gently and sang at the top of their voices.