|
|
Sean Edward Ghannam is an expressive and skillful axe wielder currently based in Orlando, Florida (United States) who represents his playing style as cosmic fusion, as a music fan can now experience on his most recent recording, "Fusia".  His most utilized guitars consist of a White (yellowed with age) 1971 Gibson ES 355 and a Sunburst 1980 Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion. Ghannam has been playing guitar since 1985, and straight from the shoulder divulges his career objective, "I would like to continue working as a solo artist and currently have a
new instrumental CD in the works. My infamous Rush tribute band Rushour and 2112 has reformed as The Toronto Airport and will be peforming in Toronto at this years Rushcon (the international Rush convention) as well as touring nationally. I am also pursuing a new career in interactive audio for video games. The next 10 years should see Sean Ghannam really growing as an "all around"
artist (music and art).
"
When asked to finally make public his favorite or most used effect for the guitar, Ghannam unflinchingly stated, "Equalization, Original Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress," and continued by outlining his musicial goals, "My music comes from the heart. It is somewhat technical and reminiscent of movie soundtrack music- but it is real. I want to create music that evokes mental imagery. Listeners don't have to concentrate on the music too deeply as long as they are getting imagery through listening. My goal is not so much to primarily create flashy guitar work, but rather to create a powerful feel and overall mood with all musical instruments through composing.
" He maintains a desire to, at some point, study with a guitar legend such as Eric Johnson, Bill Connors or Frank Gambale ("But I would also like to meet Alex Lifeson one day - especially since his playing has influenced my entire life"), and is presently listening to old Al Dimeola lately (pre 1985), new Allan Holdsworth and Gong, old Bill Connors and Return to Forever, Eric Johnson's latest, Tomita, Earth Wind and Fire, Miles Davis, Steely Dan and, of course, Rush. His principal gratification? "I stiII get a great feeling when playing improvisational freeform jazz-fusion music live. It's always fulfilling to play RUSH with the tribute band too," he explains absolutely.
Ghannam wraps up by noting current and approaching endeavors enthusiastically, by saying, "I plan on releasing a follow-up CD to "Fusia", hopefully within the next 2
years! The next CD recording project will be more of a traditional Fusion recording with a slightly different theme than "Fusia". I want to get more organic big guitar sounds, less effects, Reed Hayes on acoustic drums, and have analog synthesizers more in the background of the recording. I've really been getting into Bill Connors and Eric Johnson - so I believe that those influences will really shine through in the next project.
"
Guitar Nine Records visitors have compared the playing style and/or musical approach of Sean Edward Ghannam to guitarists such as Alex Lifeson and others.
|
Vol. 17, No. 2: Feb.-Mar. 2012
