John Shannon

Fans: 68

- Bio

Modern folk guitarist, vocalist, and song crafter John Shannon believes in the power of music to enlighten the mind. Having already toured the globe with some of the brightest rising stars in indie rock, folk, and jazz, including Sonya Kitchell, Haale and Hiromi, Shannon's solo work has taken him on a journey into his own soul and beyond. Starting with an exploratory meditation trip in the southwestern desert some years ago, John Shannon discovered his unique, tender sound, inspired by the openness of American landscapes, and translated it into his debut solo album, a subtle masterpiece called American Mystic.

"I believe in the awakening power of song," says Shannon, whose musical vision came to the forefront a few years ago in the Arizona desert, after he spent four days and nights sitting in a circle without food, only drinking water. On this vision quest, communing with the elements according to Native American cultural traditions, Shannon found a sense of clarity. "There's a point in the circle in those four days when you realize you have always been there, and there's a point in the moment of the music -which is very much like being in a circle to me when it's right -when you realize you have always been there. After the vision quest, my music and my life path became more clear to me. They're one and the same, really."

Born in 1980, Shannon's musical foundations began with guitar lessons at age six. After years of Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Page-inspired musical exploration, Shannon studied harmony and improvisation with a local pipe organist. His teacher brought him to a church for lessons around midnight, with lights dimmed except on the altar, so the pair could improvise on the organ and electric guitar. At the same time, Shannon studied straight-ahead and avant-garde jazz with renowned saxophonist Eric Kloss. The lessons left Shannon with a focus on performing with heart and spiritual awareness. Shannon later went on to graduate from the Berklee College of Music, where he began a series of organic musical explorations in the evolutionary instrumental trio Waking Vision together with friends Mitch Cohn (aka Catalyst, bassist for Lauryn Hill, Ashanti, Destiny's Child) and Martin Valihora (drummer for Hiromi).

In addition to his solo work, Shannon has spent the past several years performing and touring with an eclectic group of break-out stars. He's recorded three albums as leader of Waking Vision, and toured as electric guitarist for psychedelic Sufi trance rocker Haale, jazz fusion piano phenomenon Hiromi, avant-jazz singer Pyeng Threadgill, and played guitar for Sonya Kitchell's ground-breaking folk album Words Came Back to Me (Velour/Starbucks Hear Music) and her subsequent national tour. Shannon continues to play with Waking Vision, whose fourth album is slated for release on ObliqSound in 2009. He recently collaborated on British pop rocker Gary Go's debut album Say Less (Decca). Shannon also still tours with Hiromi's Sonicbloom and Pyeng Threadgill.

John Shannon's solo debut album American Mystic (OS 105) was released in the USA and Canada in April 29, 2008, followed by European distribution throughout the summer. His tour in support of American Mystic continues.

Twitter Updates

My Tribal trance rock band Spirit Power next show next Thursday 9pm at Fat Baby NYC. . . heads up
about 22 hours ago

Latest bulletin 11.05.09

Julian Lennon picks "Somewhere" as his pick of the week.

just found out Julian Lennon chose my Somewhere remix (by Eric Kupper) on Below Zero Beats as his pick of the week last week. You can listen here in hour 2: http://www.belowzerobeats.com/Track_Listings/?showID=213

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Sep 09 2008, 05:29 AM

John, you just are beautiful and very inspired! Laetitia
Jul 13 2008, 04:27 PM

His music is nothing but superficial, There's so much depth...I love it !
Jun 22 2008, 07:58 PM

John! Cannot wait to see you in Florida this summer!! Blessings! Love Sati
Mar 24 2008, 05:49 PM

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Videos posted by John Shannon

Somewhere - Official Video

Falling Into All - from La Blogo...

Somewhere - from La Blogotheque

Featured songs

Somewhere (Eric Kupper remix)
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Somewhere (Eric Kupper reprise)
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Featured

Somewhere
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Free MP3

Forgiveness
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Golden Eagle
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Butterfly
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Falling into All
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Under the Stars
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Lion's Mane
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Among the Sea, Among the Star
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All the Way
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Seasons
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Recently recommended by fans

Falling into All
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shelli220: "i've already recommended this track, but just to really plug this guy - his voice is simply captivating and i dunno - can't stop playin this track - totally infectious!"

People who like John Shannon

Played the most by: kvaldan (328 plays)

Most recently played by: Sade . (17 days ago)

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Albums

American Mystic

Somewhere (remixes)

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