From a land rich in musical and cultural diversity comes one of its most outstanding performers and composers. Born in South Africa to a musical family, Shannon Mowday draws from many influences with seemingly boundless energy and brings it together with purpose and style. Acknowledged internationally as a gifted saxophone player, she is also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist covering the range of the entire woodwind family.
As a prolific music composer, many music critics have applauded her gift of blending jazz with an eclectic mix of Africa rhythms and folklore. Her music expresses the difficulty and growth of her homeland with a totally honest and fresh approach which is difficult to put in any one genre.
As a resident lecturer at Cape Town University, her academic talents have also been acknowledged by the University of California (UCLA) where she has performed and lectured on the many facets of her playing and style. Shannon has also contributed insightful articles to the international publication Saxophone Journal.
As well as the United States, Shannon continues to draw international attention with continuing projects in Scandinavia, Europe and Australia where she recently recorded her original compositions with jazz virtuouso and multi-instrumentalist James Morrison.
Shannon admits it's hard to ignore the deep love of jazz evident in her work which is punctuated with breathtaking solos and an openness to explore improvisation on many levels. With invitations to perform at major jazz festivals on four continents, Shannon Mowday now explores the many possibilities of her music on the international stage. Although she remains in demand as a recording artist and television personality in South Africa, it is her original work that will be the focus on her future.
Words cannot describe the feeling of being drawn into her music and experiencing her abundant ability which will be recognised as one of South Africa's finest musical exports.
... a rising star that knows how to play and cares about music ...
watch out for Shannon Mowday ... she will be one of the great ones!"
Dr Douglas Masek, UCLA
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