Shaun Hopper

“The kids got fingers of doom, no two ways about it. A true world class talent on fingerstyle flat-top acoustic guitar. Hopper effortlessly channels Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel and Andre Segovia, blowing minds and dropping jaws everywhere.” - Creative Loafing Magazine, Best of the Bay – 2009

Acoustic “fingerstyle” guitar wizard Shaun Hopper is at first glance an unassuming presence, a true southern gentleman whose humility stands in stark contrast to the prodigious talents he unveils on stage. An unparalleled master of the fret-board. Merging complex melodies, harmonies and bass lines along with a one-of-a-kind mix of percussive elements, he captivates everyone within earshot. Whether his listeners are guitar enthusiasts or not matters little, within a few seconds they soon realize that they are listening to a world class virtuoso. Hopper's original compositions and arrangements of pop tunes are infused with all the cutting edge techniques and flavorings you'd expect from the new breed of You-Tube sensations, including players like Tommy Emmanuel, Adam Rafferty, Andy McKee and Don Ross. Yet, it is his traditional and classically schooled "approach" to music which keeps him unquestionably steeped in, and inspired by, the greats. Influences include guitar legends; Chet Atkins, Andres Segovia, George Benson, Michael Hedges, Leo Kottke, Martin Taylor, Buster B. Jones, Doyle Dykes and Pete Huttlinger, just to name a few. All of this inspiration culminates into a "signature style" which crosses over the full range of musical genres; Alternative, Folk, Classical, Celtic, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Country, New Age and a one-of-a kind percussive style which defies description.

Shaun's stagecraft is equally impressive and engaging. Weaving in humorous tales from his small town Georgia roots and sharing an occasional glimpse into his "backwoods" childhood, he stirs his audience with both laughter and introspection. Shaun's modest upstarts bespeak his self-effacing nature and yet it is his years of cloistered practice which shines through with searing confidence. On stage, Hopper embodies a self-assurance rarely found in performers twenty to thirty years his senior. What you hear in Shaun's music is quite unexpected and strikingly diverse. Coming from a succession of Georgia steel-workers, Adel native Hopper surprises with the vastness of his repertoire. With an insatiable drive to capture a far wider and more international audience, his global aspirations spillover into his set list. So don't expect Bluegrass or Lynyrd Skynyrd coming out of this Georgia boy, except in his punch lines. Moving thematically through his performances, Shaun takes his audience on a tour from Celtic imagery and Classical medley to Soulful Ballads and Jazzy Improvs, all of which he'll counter punch with a Nashville "hot licks" session, neck-popping original or 70's pop song. With listeners caught off balance, Hopper is still able to rouse up the crowd with a contagious sing-a-long or two. Song by song, night after night, Shaun always raises a smile, a glass and if not ... a few standing ovations.

Shaun has made his mark opening for acts like; B.B. King, The John Jorgenson Quintet (Elton John),
The Gipsy Kings, Pierre Bensusan, The California Guitar Trio, Muriel Anderson & Tierra Negra, G. Love, Kaki King, Bobby Yang and Switchfoot. Hopper has toured with Tim Reynolds & TR3 from the Dave Matthews Band and has co-written songs with Tommy Emmanuel. Shaun is signed to Steve Vai's Favored Nations/Digital Nations label which included the release of his CD, "Lower Case Letters". Mr. Hopper is a certified Martin Guitar Clinician (Personally signed by Chris Martin) and has held several Guitar Clinics and Workshops through Sam Ash. Sponsorships and Endorsements incl.;
C.F. Martin Guitar Co., Maton Guitars,
Larivee Guitars, Truefire Video, Keeley Electronics, TC Electronic, Radial
Engineering, Elixir Guitar Strings,
L. R. Baggs, Voodoo Lab and
Zaolla Instrument Cables.

"It takes a lot to blow people away around this music industry, especially around this radio station. We've seen it all. Shaun Hopper is here and he just totally blew me away. I've never, ever seen someone do what this guy just did with a guitar."
- Bulldog - The Rude Awakening Show - 7/27/11 -(www.irieradio.com) - Ocean City, MD

"Hopper is the Hendrix of acoustic fingerstyle guitar -- a bona fide monster in the making."
- Brad Wendkos - TrueFire (www.truefire.com)

"Shaun Hopper is an absolute guitar star....unique, innovative, exciting and edgy. His fresh approach and technical mastery are bolstered by his engaging personality and ability to connect to audiences of all ages. A true performer, well beyond his years."
- Mark R. Switzer, DMA - Professor of Music/Florida Philharmonic Orchestra

"Best Musician on the Rise"
- Atlanta Journal Constitution (2009)