Shannon Hayden
Martinsville, Illinois, United States | SELF
Music
Press
In the intimate back room of Jackson Avenue Coffeehouse, a crowd gathered around the dimly-lit stage anticipating the talents of an aspiring cellist.
Shannon Hayden took the stage Saturday night at JAC for a two-hour performance of original music.
A graduate of Yale School of Music in May of 2012, Hayden has returned to her family's home for a brief stay before heading off across America to support and promote her new album "Pieces of the Sun".
Hayden, alone on the stage, had the presence of a full band. This rich sound was made possible by a combination of electronic beats sent from her MacBook to the sound system and a complex looping station that allowed multiple live, recorded tracks to play while her amplified cello carried the melody.
The result is what audience member Glenna Starkey called "Transcendental. "It takes me somewhere else" she said.
Hayden, who is a classically-trained cellist, said what draws her to the cello is not only its sound, but also its versatility.
"I very much like the original sound of the cello", she said, "And I see how I can affect it."
However, in her original compositions, Hayden said she likes pushing the boundaries of classical cello by exploiting the versatility of her instrument and producing music that she considers to be eclectic and very experimental.
"Musicians who want to consider themselves artists should go beyond mere craftsmanship and constantly look to expand the repertoire of their instrument, fulfilling the needs of the era within which they actively participate" she said.
Hayden did not only play cello but also showcased her talents as a guitar player in several songs throughout the night.
"I like playing anything with strings," said Hayden.
Although Hayden has played many venues in her career, she said Saturday's performance was a new experience for her.
"I've never really played locally before; it is something new for me," she said.
Hayden's performance was met with much enthusiasm from the crowd, and even sparked the interest of curious patrons who filtered in and out during the night.
Among the enthused crowd was Vicki Reible, a co-owner of JAC, who said she was pleased Hayden was able to bring her talents to the coffeehouse."Her music is ethereal" she said. "We are very fortunate that we have her here."
Shannon's music can be found on her website, www.shannonleehayden.com. It can also be purchased on iTunes.
-Ethan Stephenson - Eastern Daily News
In the intimate back room of Jackson Avenue Coffeehouse, a crowd gathered around the dimly-lit stage anticipating the talents of an aspiring cellist.
Shannon Hayden took the stage Saturday night at JAC for a two-hour performance of original music.
A graduate of Yale School of Music in May of 2012, Hayden has returned to her family's home for a brief stay before heading off across America to support and promote her new album "Pieces of the Sun".
Hayden, alone on the stage, had the presence of a full band. This rich sound was made possible by a combination of electronic beats sent from her MacBook to the sound system and a complex looping station that allowed multiple live, recorded tracks to play while her amplified cello carried the melody.
The result is what audience member Glenna Starkey called "Transcendental. "It takes me somewhere else" she said.
Hayden, who is a classically-trained cellist, said what draws her to the cello is not only its sound, but also its versatility.
"I very much like the original sound of the cello", she said, "And I see how I can affect it."
However, in her original compositions, Hayden said she likes pushing the boundaries of classical cello by exploiting the versatility of her instrument and producing music that she considers to be eclectic and very experimental.
"Musicians who want to consider themselves artists should go beyond mere craftsmanship and constantly look to expand the repertoire of their instrument, fulfilling the needs of the era within which they actively participate" she said.
Hayden did not only play cello but also showcased her talents as a guitar player in several songs throughout the night.
"I like playing anything with strings," said Hayden.
Although Hayden has played many venues in her career, she said Saturday's performance was a new experience for her.
"I've never really played locally before; it is something new for me," she said.
Hayden's performance was met with much enthusiasm from the crowd, and even sparked the interest of curious patrons who filtered in and out during the night.
Among the enthused crowd was Vicki Reible, a co-owner of JAC, who said she was pleased Hayden was able to bring her talents to the coffeehouse."Her music is ethereal" she said. "We are very fortunate that we have her here."
Shannon's music can be found on her website, www.shannonleehayden.com. It can also be purchased on iTunes.
-Ethan Stephenson - Eastern Daily News
"...but the star turn was Shannon Hayden's spetacular cello playing in David Lang's punishingly intense "Pierced", offering the piece all the style and brawn it deserves"
-David Stephen Johnson - New Haven Advocate
"...but the star turn was Shannon Hayden's spetacular cello playing in David Lang's punishingly intense "Pierced", offering the piece all the style and brawn it deserves"
-David Stephen Johnson - New Haven Advocate
Discography
Solid State Cello, Pieces of the Sun, Local Live on WFHB Radio,
Photos
Bio
Shannon Hayden is a classically trained cellist who has never been content to stay strictly within the confines of the traditional course of study. Having achieved early success in competitions both at home and abroad she quickly began to experiment with other forms of music as well as other instruments. Working with renowned cellists such as Janos Starker and Aldo Parisot, with whom she began a graduate level course of study at the age of 18 at the Yale School of Music, did not keep her from playing lead guitar in rock and experimental bands or writing music for electric cello. She feels that musicians who want to consider themselves artists should go beyond mere craftsmanship and constantly look to expand the repertoire of their instrument, fulfilling the needs of the era within which they actively participate. When not performing her own pieces, Shannon focuses on 20th century and contemporary works and has enjoyed working with composers Ezra Laderman, David Lang, percussionist/composer Andy Akiho and tours occasionally with Eric Genuis. Having completed her studies she is currently supporting her first album with shows around the United States and hopes to meet other artists with similar interests whose focus is continuing to stretch the boundaries of virtuosic classical music by embracing technologies which she feels are underutilized. Shannon also shares her parent’s passion for sustainable living and alternative energy and spends as much time as she can at the family's off the grid organic vegetable farm.
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