Anna Shannon - Guitar, fiddle, flute, oboe, sax, whistles, vocals.
Influences
QUOTES
" As Director of the Fylde Folk Festival, I receive hundreds of CD's every year from artists seeking work. Occasionally, one band, group or singer, stands out from the rest. ANNA SHANNON is one of these.
I find her refreshing approach to performing her own songs, very absorbing. As a singer songwriter, Anna writes and sings with clarity. Her tunes are perfect vehicles for the lyrics.
Anna Shannon is a very observant songwriter with a very good voice indeed. We will hear more of Anna in the years to come."ALAN BELL "
Anna Shannon is a singer / songwriter of the highest calibre. Her songs are written with passion and perception and reflect the many different aspects of life. Her performance of these songs is not only compelling but captures an audience's thoughts and imagination. She draws from a wide range of subjects and these present a vivid picture of life in it's many and varied contexts. Her thoughtful and imaginative guitar accompaniment is a true match to these fine songs.
"MARTYN WYNDHAM-READ"
She has a really innovative approach to songwriting, her work is melodic and extremely interesting; the strength of her vocal delivery took me completely by surprise. Her lyrics carry precise story lines wrapped in just the right amount of imagery and her guitar work is so much more than accompaniment, rather it is an integral part of each song. " MIKE SILVER"
There is a rare quality and passion in Anna Shannon's song writing and performances that has not been heard for many years. Her strong vocals and excellent guitar playing combined with her thoughtful songs and powerful lyrics together produce a brilliant combination that will reverberate around the Folk Music scene.
"STAN GRAHAM"
"Anna's songwriting evokes emotion in the listener. It is a pleasure to sing her songs."
Sue & Liz (SCOLDS BRIDLE)
BUY THESE CD..S ONLINE!................ www.myspace.com/annashannon .......................... .......... e-mail - annatshannon@yahoo.co.uk All Cds produced at Sonic Moles Studios by the fantastic Si Coles.www.sonicmoles.comREADY FOR THE SHOUTTHE WHALE DREAMING
BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES
WHEN WE WERE YOUNG
Since being awarded BBC Radio Yorkshire Songwriter of the Year in August 2006 Anna has been forging a steady path into the contemporary singer-songwriter scene, appearing at numerous festivals during 2007/8 where she has entertained her audiences with her original songs and songwriting workshops. In May 2007 Anna was awarded both 1st and 2nd places in the
"Song for the Sea" competition at the Whitby Captain Cook Festival.
Since Aug.2006 she has released four albums of original material...”The Whale Dreaming” received excellent reviews, followed by "Ready for the Shout!", a maritime themed album. This was taken on by the RNLI to sell in their retail outlets. It features guest members of the Scarborough Lifeboat crew and the Filey Fishermans Choir Harmony Group.
Anna’s CD "Blackstrap Molasses" is a concept album on the life and times of 19th century America in which you are taken on a journey to the railroads and barrelhouses, taking in the medicine show, the hard living hobo and the dust of the Deep South.
Her new cd “When We Were Young” has been receiving great interest and acclaim, with songs ”The Farming Boy” and “Frost on the Larch” being outstanding favourites.
In recent years she has performed with the skiffle group "The Worried Men" playing washboard and fiddle. Occasionally she plays fiddle and sings with Cajun band “Red Hot Boudan”, and the folk-rock band "SlinkyMalink" playing flute, oboe, fiddle and sax.
She currently fronts "johnny-jump-up" an energetic trio playing Irish rockin.. folk, Pogues and Trad....See www.myspace.com/jjumpup........
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Anna Shannon - a versatile multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, carrying on the musical tradition!............
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
Brilliant stuff at the Barnsley Folk Club last night, no could fail going home with a big smile on their face. Congratulations on a wonderful performance.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
