Percussion, Vocals, Guest Artist

Singer / Songwriter / Percussionist Shannon Gaye, described as “the slender singer with the big soulful voice,” cuts a powerful presence on stage.   From the most delicate melodies to sky high, roof-raising licks, Shannon is in full command of her voice.  With Soul and R&B at its core, Shannon’s original material  incorporates jazz harmony, reggae grooves, blues riffs and hip hop elements.

Shannon’s middle name “Gaye” was a nod to brilliant musician and social activist Marvin Gaye.   Oddly enough for a young girl growing up in rootsy British Columbia, she has always had an affinity for Soul, Jazz and R&B.   Early musical inspirations include the classics: powerhouse singers Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder, as well as jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O’Day.  Present day influences include artists like Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, and H.E.R.  From a songwriting perspective, Shannon finds herself drawn to the poets – great wordsmiths like Joni Mitchell, Citizen Cope, Leonard Cohen, and Ricky Lee Jones.

Under the musical direction of pianist extraordinaire Kristian Alexandrov, Shannon and her stellar band have performed her compelling brand of Acoustic Soul at festivals across the country and have completed seventeen cross-Canada tours.  Shannon has released six original CD’s; a number of her songs have been featured in TV series and films in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K.  Shannon has also logged many hours in the studio on both sides of the glass as an award-winning voice-over artist and voice director.  You may have heard her voice on campaigns for Indigo, Mark’s, Westjet, Telus and Shaw over the years.

Shannon’s thrilled to be joining Tom Jackson and the Huron Carole ensemble once again.