Shannon Bourne

Bio:

Shannon Bourne is a virtuoso guitarist, singer-songwriter and published expert on guitars and related equipment, from Melbourne Australia.

With the release of his second solo album, Dark Things – ten tracks of melodic blues-infused acoustic and electronic guitar songs, Shannon’s aim of developing an intimate and personalised form of expression through music has proved to be an exhilarating experience for artist and audience alike.

“I have always played how or what I feel – even during a session for other artists’ albums”.

The interest generated from playing his new material has led to plans to promote the album internationally – earlier than originally intended. Recording sessions and sideman duties are increasingly sidelined for solo performances. Meanwhile, Shannon continues to freely share of his (available) time and experience in support of emerging artists – guiding arrangement, writing and players workshops and occasional on-stage moral and musical support.

“I know what it’s like to have the passion and to be starting out and feel like you don’t have a clue. I also know what how much a difference it can make when a respected player acknowledges you and provides support.”

As an award-winning veteran of the blues scene, Shannon has already had what would be for some a life-time of acclaim packed into his meagre three decades. Increasingly and artistically frustrated and never one to take an easy ride, Shannon states:

“In the last ten years I have played every major festival and venue in Australia and toured North America, Canada and Asia – but always at the side of someone else. This time it’s personal – it’s my own material.”

All I can say is, listen to the music.”

Contact Shannon Bourne:
Send a message via MySpace
E-mail: shannbourne@Gmail.com


DISCOGRAPHY:
SOLO Projects

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2009 DARK THINGS (independent release) – AVAILABLE ONLINE TODAY!

Bourne is one of the best electric blues guitarists in this country, hands down. (Dark Things) …is nothing like anything Bourne has done before – gone are the balls to the wall electric blues and in its place are dark arrangements, junk percussion, eerie background music to the dark things lurking in any persons head. …bright and fresh and something that demands attention, putting Bourne up there as not only one of our premier guitarists, but also as one of the premier songwriters and arrangers.
Sam Fell
Rhythms Magazine May 2009


…he opens the record with the title track – a muted, dark acoustic sonic exploration – and a couple of electronics-drenched numbers that would have worked on Floyd’s masterpiece Ummagumma…
It’s fascinating to hear this accomplished guitarist explore and grow as a singer and songwriter.
Jeff Glorfeld ( The AGE, Entertainment Guide)


The aims of any artistic pursuit should be twofold. Firstly, to translate the artist’s inner thoughts and feelings into some kind of personal statement, and secondly to share that journey with an audience. On his new album ‘Dark Things’ Melbourne based blues rock guitarist ... achieves all that and more.
(Australian Musician Magazine April 2009)

I say great album too! Gave it a spin on my way home from a gig last night mate. Impressive stuff. Lyrically engaging and knitted together with very creative and original audio sounds ... amazing guitar work too. You have certainly wrung the full gamut from your instrument - from beautiful to hideous, from gentle & inviting to violent and threatening - and all points in between. The solo that closes track 4 is a killer! I love hearing original sounds Shannon and this disc has it in bucket loads.Well done sir!
Geoff Achison
CD BABY - Buy DARK THINGS




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Album Review - DARK THINGS

2005 BURN IT DOWN (independent release) Best known as the guitarist for the great Chris Wilson (and his Spidermen), Shannon moves to centre stage on his debut album and shows off his songwriting skills as well as his formidable guitar talents.
"One of the best guitarists in the country." Gary Young.
Purchase album at:
CD BABY - Buy BURN IT DOWN



Contributing artist albums
2009 'Play Time!' - CHECKERBOARD
2009 ‘Unknown Country’ – Broderick Smith
2009 ‘Dead Man’s Lullaby’ – Jimmy Dowling
2008 ‘Behind The Lines’ – John Schumman & The Vagabond Crew
2007 ‘You’re Always There’ – Kerri Simpson
2006 ‘Roarin’ Town’ – The Black Sorrows
2006 ‘Diggin’ The Roots’ – Bill Jackson
2005 ‘Lawson’ – John Schumman & The Vagabond Crew
2005 ‘Sweet Release’ – Andy Cowan
2005 ‘Steal My Heart’ - Jimi Lundy
2005 ‘I Wish It Would Rain’ – Paul Wookey
2003 ‘Live At The Basement’ Vol 1 & 2 – Chris Wilson
2003 ‘King For A Day’ – Chris Wilson
2001 ‘Spiderman’ – Chris Wilson
1999 ‘Blues Rush’ – Southbound
1998 ‘Live at St.Andews’ – The Bluescasters

On DVD
2006 ‘King for a Day’ Chris Wilson
2006 ‘Live @ The Basement and Corner Hotel’ - Andy Cowan


Shannon also plays lead guitar with the popular Blues/Soul/Rock band ‘Checkerboard (Lounge)’
CHECKERBOARD

and with

Broderick Smith
http://www.myspace.com/brodericksmith

This is what Broderick Smith has to say about Shannon Bourne and the new album DARK THINGS.
Shannon is on a quest.
It's a good quest and the right quest.
Don't worry about the guitar. That will always be great.
The quest is more to do with trying to find himself out there and this album brings him even closer.
The singing is more mature than before and the lyrics are thoughtful and inspired.
He doesn't sound like every other fellow on the block.
He works for a living.
He praises others. He can cut you with two words.
He's not a shrinking violet. He's a thistle in full bloom.
It's hard for people here to appreciate someone when they're trying to be true to themselves.
That's why Shannon's quest is hard.
But sometimes half the fun is to live in a hostile environment.
It makes your little victories even more satisfying.


Contributing writer:
Australian Musician (magazine)
Australian Musician

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Anne Wallace – artist DARK THINGS cover painting

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Anne Wallace

LINKS
UNSIGNED.COM
BANDIZMO
GIGWISE.com
The ULBRICK Sound
Churchill Guitars
FLICKR
Port Fairy Folk Festival
BIGOZMUSIC
SHANNON BOURNE SONIC BIDS
CHRIS WILSON WEBSITE

IN STORE
HEARTLAND RECORDS - 61 Peel Street, West Melbourne
BRUNWICK BOUND
BASEMENT DISCS new!
THE LAST RECORD STORE

Member Since:

February 20, 2006

Members:

Influences:

View Shannon Bourne's EPK

Sounds Like:

Record Label:

Independent Release