AYRSHIRE’S JAI MCDOWALL LOOKS FORWARD TO HIS HOMETOWN GIGS
Gill Sherry
The last time Jai McDowall featured in Ayrshire Magazine he was just about to embark on a tour with vocal group and former X Factor runners-up, G4, which included a date at Ayr Town Hall.
Now, fourteen months later, he’s looking forward to two more homecoming gigs, this time as a solo artist, on 22nd and 23rd December.
I start by asking him about the title of his shows, because let’s face it, Jai-ving Home for Christmas is inspired!
“It wasn’t me,” he admits. “I’ve got two friends, Rachel and Kevin… and they came up with it.
Unfortunately, I cannot take credit for that name.”
Well, whoever it was, it’s the perfect title for what promises to be a fabulous festive treat.
“More and more Christmas songs keep creeping in,” Jai tells me, “but I’ve added some normal songs as well… and I want to change things up a bit so there’s a few different versions of things, like a rockier version of ‘Walking in the Air’ for instance, and I’m singing a Bruce Springsteen version of ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’.”
Jai will be accompanied by a four-piece band which includes fellow ‘Ayrshire Lad’ Brian MacDonald, and is aiming for a modern twist on the Christmas classics.
“It’s just fun,” he says. “I want moments where folk can enjoy themselves and then I want folk to cry.”
In a good way, obviously. One song in particular may evoke an emotional response.
“‘My Grown Up Christmas List’… I first heard it when I was younger. It’s a lovey song.”
It will certainly be very different from last year’s G4 Christmas concert, where carols were sung in a more traditional, operatic style.
Talking of G4, I ask Jai about his experience with the group and why he decided to leave.
“I was with G4 for around two years. It was good to learn how to be in a group and learn how to sing in harmony. It pushed me out of my comfort zone a little bit. They also sing in different languages, so it was nice – if not slightly stressful – to do that too, as I would never have had the confidence to have done that on my own.”
Apparently, his involvement with G4 was only ever intended to be temporary and did in fact last longer than Jai had anticipated.
“They had asked me to join because a previous member had taken unwell, so I stepped in for a period of time. Initially I said maybe a year. It’s a big commitment to be in a group as they are constantly on the road, touring year after year, and part of the reason I enjoy working in the performance industry is that I enjoy the variety of jobs… so I just felt, if I’m not 100% I need to say, as the guys work hard and deserve to have someone that’s all in.”
Around that time, when Jai began to doubt his own commitment to the band, they managed to secure Ayr Gaiety for the last two nights of their Phantoms of the Popera tour.
“It almost felt like they were saying, ‘If you’re going to leave, you should do it on a high in your hometown’. So I did. I think it was the right choice.”
Having just finished touring with the cabaret concert, I Screamed a Scream, and with two solo Christmas shows to prepare for, he’s had no time to doubt his decision. He also hints that there’s plenty to look forward to next year so keep an eye on his website or socials for details.
Meanwhile, once he’s sung his heart out to the adoring fans in his hometown, he’s planning a quiet, family Christmas before embarking on more exciting things in 2026!
Tickets for Jai-ving Home for Christmas are available from www.jaimcdowallofficial.com
