New Sun
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Pushing Progressive's Boundaries
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California's New Sun second CD release is entitled Affects which consists of eight songs, both instrumental and vocal. Band members include D.L. Erickson (guitar, keys), Christopher Scott (guitar, vocals, keys), Alex Kley (bass) and Chris Trujillo (drums). Self described as a progressive rock soundscape, New Sun is ever searching for ways to express ideas in a new musical idiom. By utilizing the foundations laid by classic prog-rock bands of the '70s (Rush, Yes, King Crimson), and listening to bands of the '90s, their intention is to push boundaries musically. The Rush influence is particularly prominent, however the guitar serves a different, more textural role than in the popular Canadian trio's music. Composition and engineering are the twin foundations of New Sun's music, and if this fits your guidelines, be sure to check out Affects.
New Sun has been playing as a sonic unit for five years. New Sun formed when Erickson and Scott found common interests musically and started to compose as a team. After a year and a half search, Alex Kley filled the bass department. Chris Trujillo arrived a year later. From the beginning, a defined vision of sound and direction has been shared by all. Collectively, influences such as Rush, Blue Oyster Cult, King Crimson, David Torn, Neil Pert, Bill Bruford, Yes and Tony Levin guide the songwriting and provide instrumental inspiration. They recorded their first CD, "Fractured" in October of 1995.
Presently New Sun is out and about playing and promoting both CDs.
Contact Information
Blue Seven Music
4694 Mowry Ave.
Fremont, CA 94538
United States
E-mail:
New Sun
Web site:
www.new-sun.com
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E. Shawn Qaissaunee
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Original Jazz CD Emphasizes Songs
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Recruiting a high caliber group of musicians to back him on his CD Tell A Story, guitarist E. Shawn Qaissaunee's original compositions emphasize songwriting and musical interaction within the group. With Chico Huff on bass, and Tom Palmer on drums, the second half of the CD is recorded in a trio format, and as such features a number of excellent bass and guitar solo passages (listen to the harmonic explorations in "Top View" for evidence). Qaissaunee invites guests such as keyboard whiz Jeff Knoettner and saxophonist Eric Powell to join him on the first half of the CD, reducing the six-string appeal somewhat, but creating a broader sonic palette for the music. All in all, a well-crafted jazz outing top to bottom, with Qaissaunee's warm, emotional guitar tone serving as the glue that binds the collection together.
First formally introduced to music through piano lessons in elementary school and the saxophone in fifth grade, Shawn started playing guitar as a freshman in high school. He later attended Berklee College of Music as a Jazz Composition/Music Education major, and he has been teaching and playing professionally for about seven years. Shawn's influences are diverse, from Pat Martino and Wes Montgomery to James Brown and the Ohio Players. He continues to strive each day to grow musically and spiritually.
In the future, Qaissaunee is hoping to bring his music to a larger audience by way of music festivals, theaters, clubs, word of mouth and the Internet.
Contact Information
E. Shawn Qaissaunee
15 Top View Court
Newark, DE 19702
United States
E-mail:
E. Shawn Qaissaunee
Web site:
www.geocities.com/qmard
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